Why Food Access Matters
Food insecurity affects more than hunger. When families lack consistent access to nutritious food, they often face difficult choices between groceries, housing, healthcare, transportation, and other essential expenses.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, many chronic health conditions—including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension—are influenced by nutrition and access to healthy foods. For individuals already managing health challenges, consistent access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and nutritious ingredients can play an important role in overall wellness.
This connection between nutrition and health is the foundation of The Just One Project’s Food as Medicine Farmers Market.
What Is the Food as Medicine Farmers Market?
The Food as Medicine Farmers Market is a no-cost program designed to improve access to fresh, nutritious foods while providing education and resources that support healthier lifestyles.
Participants receive:
✔ Fresh fruits and vegetables
✔ Nutrition education
✔ Healthy recipes and meal ideas
✔ Health screenings and wellness resources
✔ Access to additional TJOP programs and community services
Unlike a traditional food distribution, the Food as Medicine Farmers Market focuses on helping participants make informed decisions about nutrition while increasing access to healthy foods.
Participation is available by appointment, allowing TJOP staff and volunteers to create a welcoming and organized experience for every client.
Built on Three Core Pillars
Access
The first step toward healthier communities is ensuring that healthy food is available.
The Food as Medicine Farmers Market increases access to fresh produce and nutritious foods for individuals and families who may otherwise struggle to obtain them consistently.
By removing financial barriers, the program helps participants bring healthier options into their homes while reducing strain on household budgets.
Education
Knowledge is a powerful tool for improving health outcomes.
The program provides nutrition education, recipes, and practical information that participants can use to prepare healthy meals and make informed food choices.
These resources help individuals and families maximize the benefits of the fresh foods they receive while building confidence in the kitchen.
Community Involvement
Strong communities are built through connection.
The Food as Medicine Farmers Market creates opportunities for volunteers, community partners, healthcare professionals, and residents to work together toward a common goal: improving health and food access across Southern Nevada.
This collaborative approach helps extend the impact of the program far beyond a single market day.
Part of TJOP’s Food For All Initiative
The Food as Medicine Farmers Market is one component of The Just One Project’s comprehensive Food For All initiative.
Together, TJOP programs create multiple pathways to food access throughout Southern Nevada, including:
- No-Cost Community Markets
- Pop Up & Give Mobile Markets
- Food Rescue Alliance
- Home Delivery Services
- Meals on Wheels
- Groceries on the Go
By offering a variety of access points, TJOP can meet people where they are and help address different barriers to food access.
Community Impact
The Food as Medicine Farmers Market contributes to a larger network of food assistance programs that serve communities throughout Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Laughlin, Searchlight, Sandy Valley, Primm, and Indian Springs.
As reflected in The Just One Project’s Impact Reports, TJOP distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds of groceries annually through its Food For All programs while connecting individuals and families with additional resources that support long-term stability.
The Food as Medicine Farmers Market represents an important part of that effort by focusing on the relationship between nutrition, wellness, and food access.
How You Can Help
Programs like the Food as Medicine Farmers Market are made possible through the support of donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Whether you volunteer your time, make a donation, or help spread awareness, your support helps expand access to healthy food and valuable resources for families across Southern Nevada.
Together, we can continue building a healthier, stronger, and more connected community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Food as Medicine Farmers Market?
The Food as Medicine Farmers Market is a no-cost program that provides fresh produce, nutrition education, recipes, and health screenings to support food access and overall wellness.
Who can participate?
Participation is available by appointment. Individuals seeking assistance can contact The Just One Project to learn more about eligibility and scheduling.
Why is the program called Food as Medicine?
The program is based on the understanding that access to nutritious food plays an important role in overall health and wellness and can support healthier lifestyles.
What foods are available?
Participants typically receive fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious food items based on availability.
Does the program offer more than food?
Yes. The program also provides nutrition education, recipes, health screenings, and connections to additional TJOP programs and community resources.
How can I support the Food as Medicine Farmers Market?
You can support the program through donations, volunteer service, corporate partnerships, and community advocacy.
