Vance Goodman is the Benefits Enrollment Specialist for Council on Aging for Buncombe County, one of the referral providers for ASAP’s Farm Fresh Produce Prescription.
What do you do at Council on Aging, and how does the Farm Fresh Produce Prescription fit into that?
I work within the Benefits Enrollment Center. I help low-income Medicare beneficiaries, who are over 65 or disabled, enroll in programs that are means tested. That means anything based on income. Folks who are eligible for the Farm Fresh Produce Prescription have to be on SNAP or Medicaid, so this is another program we can help folks with.
What is your process for making referrals?
It might come up when I’m working with someone on a SNAP application. We’ll talk about their culture, what they enjoy doing. They might mention farmers markets, so I tell them about the program and they circle back after they have their SNAP to get a referral. We also do outreach to promote all of the programs we offer, including Farm Fresh Produce Prescription. I visit places all over Western North Carolina—apartment complexes, senior housing, community centers, even health clinics. People that are already on SNAP or who visit tailgate markets might hear about program and can contact me for a referral.
People are really happy to support local farmers, happy to be able to get produce that’s not going cost arm and a leg. I’ve heard, “I’m willing to eat kale. I just can’t afford it.” It’s so good to have a program that allows that.
Are there ways you can help making eating more vegetables or visiting farmers markets less daunting?
They might say, “I don’t eat produce.” I say, “Is that something you want to try? How could we do that? Let’s look at throwing in spinach or kale into that casserole or soup you’re making. Throw some lions mane mushrooms in there and you’re going to pack a punch.” I’m not a dietitian or nutritionist in any sense, but I do appreciate healthy fresh food. Sometimes they just need someone to be in conversation about this and just give them some ideas. The only time I’ve been completely turned down is by a gentleman who didn’t have any teeth. And even then we brainstormed ways he could get produce and use it.
In the fall and winter, it was more difficult for folks. The weather was cold. As great as they are, sometimes tailgate markets have accessibility issues for people. If I know that they don’t have great mobility, we talk about where to park, how to have access. The winter markets were running out of produce incredibly quickly, so we brainstormed what else is considered produce, like fresh juices. Now that it’s spring, the only feedback I’m getting is, “Yes!” Everyone is getting what they want.
Beyond fresh produce, how do farmers markets help people live more healthfully?
For our senior population, it gets them out and talking to people. Seniors need that. They’ve got to get out of their houses. It’s a community. I’ve talked to vendors at the markets who have regulars that come just to taste a sample and talk. Vendors appreciate building that community, even if they aren’t making sales. There are health benefits for both sides in seeing more people and what’s going on in their community. Another way this builds community is seniors connecting with other seniors to carpool. In apartment complexes, they’re reaching out to their neighbors, saying “I have this prescription program.” “I didn’t know about, let me sign up, then we’ll go over together.”
What are some of your own favorite farmers market or local food experiences?
North Asheville Tailgate Market is not even a mile from my house. Even if I just want to just grab a cup of coffee from the Bridge and Tunnel truck and walk through and say hi to some of the vendors, it’s such a cool community. I really appreciate Heidi, who makes dog biscuits. She’s so positive, engaging with animals and owners. I can’t process gluten, so I appreciate Dolce di Maria. At the East Asheville market, I really like Fermenti. Meg [Chamberlin] is a wonderful human. J. Chong is always making everyone feel welcome. Also Stacy and her kids from Wadadli Dessert Oasis.
What produce are you most looking forward to right now?
I am ready for corn! This year my partner (who owns Savor Shrub Bitters) and I are talking about making corn ice cream and serving it over peach cobbler. We have a peach tree out back. I’m also really ready for fresh tomatoes, summer squash, good melons—and grilling season, grill everything!