The Produce Prescription (Rx) Program* is a county-wide Retail Nutrition Program 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 insecurity. It provides a tool for healthcare professionals to refer their patients to receive nutrition education and financial incentives to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits.
Produce Rx is a partnership with Marion County Public Health Department, Community Health Network, Eskenazi Health Center, Jane Pauley Community Health Center, Solutran and Safeway Food Stores. Results are showing improvement in food security, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables (nutrition security), and better understanding of how to shop healthier on a budget among the cohort who participated.
Produce Rx has been able to continue on through COVID-19 by incorporating virtual nutrition and chronic disease management education. Additionally, in May 2021, the program transitioned to electronic benefits called Healthy Savings that participants can spend at local Kroger, CVS, and Walgreen 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
Community Health Network REACH Clinic
For more information and opportunities for Produce Rx, please contact us.
*Note – Produce Rx is referral based through participating healthcare systems and their providers.