The Produce Prescription (Rx) Program* is a county-wide Food as Medicine Initiative provided to eligible participants. Produce Rx is a partnership between the public health department, healthcare systems, and food retailers.
Produce Rx works to help foster healthier eating habits to prevent and manage chronic diseases while improving nutrition security. It provides a tool for healthcare professionals to refer their patients to receive nutrition education and financial incentives to purchase fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
Produce Rx is a partnership with Marion County Public Health Department, Community Health Network, Eskenazi Health Center, Jane Pauley Community Health Center, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, and Optum. Results consistently show an improvement in food security, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables (nutrition security), an increased confidence in cooking skills and the ability to shop for healthy foods on a budget, and an increase in perceived overall health. The program has also received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants who have been enrolled in the program.
Through our partnership with Optum, participants receive a Healthy Benefits+ card loaded with fresh produce benefits that participants can spend at Kroger, Meijer, Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco, and our local Safeway Food Stores. The Marion County Public Health Department continues to engage with partners and stakeholders to expand retailer redemption sites, along with reaching more Federally Qualified Health Centers and Community Health Centers in Marion County.
Participating Clinics
For more information and opportunities for Produce Rx, please contact us.
Community Health Network
Eskenazi Health Center
Jane Pauley Community Health Center
YMCA
*Note – Produce Rx is referral based through the above listed participating healthcare systems and their providers.