The mission of Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO) is to revitalize rural communities through micro-market farming and food economics; provide affordable, healthy food to families and community; actively grow and make available affordable healthy foods distributed through mobile farmers market(s); and aid in educating the community about local food and farming. Using asset-based approaches to grow confident, skilled workers and strong communities, opportunities are provided for low-income adults, dislocated workers, veterans and people with barriers to employment. GRRO primarily serves Vance, Warren, Granville, Franklin and Halifax Counties, which persistently show high levels of health disparities, low food access and lack of access to holistic health information.
GRRO has developed strong community partnerships and is working to address these persistently challenging health trends by creating a local food economy that is advancing community health and providing economic development opportunities. In early 2018, GRRO successfully piloted a Produce Prescription Program over the course of a twelve-week period, engaging patients identified by partnering health organizations, who were approximately 65-years-old and who were receiving prescriptions from participating medical providers. Data from the pilot program showed measurable outcomes, including weight loss, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, and stabilized diabetic conditions. The data also reflected a change in attitude towards healthy living. In 2019, through a ZSR Progress Fund grant, GRRO expanded its Produce Prescription Program.