In an effort to get New Yorkers to eat a little healthier, the city is launching a pilot program at two hospitals that will have New Yorkers receive “prescriptions” that can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables at farmers markets.

The program, which is part of a national campaign to help doctors change the eating habits of their patients, will focus on low-income, high-risk patients who desperately need to change their diet. The program will launch at Harlem Hospital and Lincoln Medical Center in the South Bronx.

Patients will receive Health Bucks, $2 coupons that can be used at any of the 142 farmers markets across the city. Doctors will then monitor the patients in the pilot program over the course of four months, and have their weight and body mass index evaluated by their doctor, as well receive counseling on healthy eating.

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