‘I Am Worth Making The Changes:’ Tulsa Group Celebrates Graduates From Healthy Living Program

A Tulsa group is celebrating more than a hundred people graduating from its yearlong program teaching them how to live healthy lives.

FreshRx provides fresh fruits and vegetables to people in Tulsa with Type 2 Diabetes and high A1C levels and teaches them about healthy choices.

Several people say it’s added decades to their lives and changed the way they approach cooking and food.

More than a hundred people have been helped as part of a program called FreshRx, where people with Diabetes in Tulsa are given fruits and vegetables for free every two weeks. Graduates of the program say it’s taught them about healthy eating.

"Me losing the weight and learning to eat healthy versus eating all those snacks,” said Cheryl Fields. “My A1C has been lowered since I've been coming, I just feel great. I have more energy from eating fruits and vegetables."

Erin Martin is the Founder of FreshRx, and says the graduation ceremony is to celebrate all the people who are dedicated to changing their lives.

"This is a big deal,” said Martin. “They were very committed to their health journey to initially enroll and be a part of and complete this yearlong program. It's a commitment. And so we want to celebrate their hard work and that their hard work not only helps them — it has a ripple effect into their family's health."

Past graduates say they hope people realize how important it is to put your health first.

"I am worth making the changes to be here a little bit longer,” said Debra Cooper. “I am worth valuing myself, taking time for me, because I have family and friends and just for yourself."

They hope their stories encourage others to do the same.

"If I can inspire others to do it, food is medicine, and if I can do it, you can do it,” said Jolynn Jackson. “Everyone can do it. It's not only one person, we have to help everyone in the community."

To take part in this program you need to have Diabetes and be referred by your doctor.

For more information on FreshRx, click here.