Under the umbrella of Food is Medicine, Produce Prescription programs offer an equitable solution for access to nutritious food, improved health outcomes, and decreased healthcare costs

Lansing, MI — The Michigan Produce Prescription (PPR) Coalitions are honoring National Food is Medicine Day on September 14th by highlighting Produce Prescription programs. 

Across the state, community organizations, healthcare providers, and food retailers are turning the concept of “food as medicine” into reality through innovative Produce Prescription programs. These evidence-based interventions increase access to fruits and vegetables and support healthy behavior change for individuals and families facing food insecurity and diet-related chronic disease. 

Understanding Michigan’s elevated prevalence of food insecurity, diet-related health conditions, and associated healthcare costs, the growth of Food is Medicine directly responds to unmet health and nutrition needs. Produce Prescription programs provide patients with vouchers to exchange for fresh fruits and vegetables at qualifying Michigan farmers markets, farm stands, and grocery stores. Interventions are often paired alongside direct services, like nutrition education, to support patients’ healthy behavior change and relationships with healthcare providers, community, and self. 

Currently: 

• 40 Michigan counties have active Produce Prescription programs

• More than 75 percent of programs partner with at least one Michigan farmers market and/or farm stand, creating positive impacts for Michigan’s local food economy. 

• More than 60 partnerships have been formed between community-based organizations with healthcare systems, Federally Qualified Health Centers, hospitals, and clinics.

“Produce Prescription programs present an opportunity to improve health outcomes while reducing healthcare costs for Michiganders,” said Isabella Pagogna, Produce Prescription Program Manager with Michigan Farmers Market Association. “Across the state, we have seen that access to Produce Prescriptions has improved patient HbA1c levels and body mass index, diet quality, perceived food security, and greater engagement in preventative health behaviors in various Michigan communities from Detroit to Marquette.” 

The landscape of Food is Medicine programs is gaining traction. 

“There are federal and state policy efforts to integrate Food is Medicine into healthcare and U.S. health insurance systems that offer long-term, sustainable funding opportunities and access for those who could benefit,” said Pagogna. “More than 15 states are currently investigating or implementing Food is Medicine programs under their State Medicaid Plans, including Michigan.”

To see Produce Prescription and Food Is Medicine successfully incorporated into Michigan’s healthcare services for Medicaid recipients and beyond, funding and investments in Michigan-led programs are needed to continue to expand access, impacts, and resources to better inform policy and program decisions.

Learn more about Produce Prescription programs and how you can support this movement across Michigan at mifoodrx.org.