Produce Prescription Programs

Produce Prescription (PPR) Programs are evidence-based interventions that increase access to fruits and vegetables and support healthy behavior change for individuals and families through partnerships among healthcare, community-based organizations, and food retailers. PPR Programs target patients facing food insecurity and those with diet-related chronic diseases with the long-term goal of improving health outcomes, addressing health-related social needs (HRSN), and lowering healthcare costs.

As of 2020, it is estimated that over 1.9 million Michiganders faced food insecurity, including 552,000 children. Michigan’s elevated food insecurity levels highlight a wide lack of access to an adequate and nourishing diet, and underscore the intersection between food security, nutrition, the prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases, and associated healthcare costs. Lack of access to nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables can prevent proper management of health and chronic disease, leading to elevated healthcare usage and associated costs. As highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, disparities in food security and access to healthcare resources are found within low-income populations and communities of color. The disproportionate number of barriers and costly consequences experienced by vulnerable populations can be mitigated by targeting such populations with interventions that equitably respond to the critical link between nutrition access and health, such as Produce Prescription programs

Over the course of the last decade, MIFMA has supported current and potential programs, partners, and funders in the implementation of Produce Prescription (PPR) programming through the Michigan Produce Prescription Coalitions. Together, we can uplift promising practices and innovations to advance and sustain access to Produce Prescription programs for all Michiganders who could benefit. 

Learn more about the Michigan Produce Prescription Coalitions at mifoodrx.org.

 

 

MIFMA continues to observe extensive growth in the number, size, and scope of programs in Michigan.  Beginning with the Washtenaw County Prescription for Health program in 2008, Michigan PPR expanded to more than twenty individual programs across the state by 2023. See the current list of Michigan PPR programs here.

 

Produce Prescription Reports and Resources (2016-2022)

 

For PPR Reports and Resources (2023 – Current), travel to our Michigan Produce Prescription Coalitions Resources & Policy page at https://mifoodrx.org/resources-and-policy/

Evaluation

In 2017, MIFMA and Public Sector Consultants developed a set of standardized self-evaluation surveys based on an in-depth review of previous PPR evaluation tools. Since 2017, the surveys have been updated to improve ease of use, reduce respondent burden, and align with national and state funders’ priorities. The evaluation tools are intended to streamline and standardize data collection across Michigan Produce Prescription (PPR) programs. Using these survey tools and sharing results will help MIFMA analyze PPR program progress and outcomes statewide. 

 

The standardized evaluation tools created include a pre-participation survey, a post-participation survey, and a complementary data sharing agreement. The tools are designed to be self-administered by the program participant. To access this tool, reach out to contact@mifoodrx.org

Getting Started

Join the Michigan Produce Prescription Statewide Learning Network, which brings together programs, partners, funders, markets, etc. across the state to advance PPR programs in Michigan.

  • To be added to the contact list for bimonthly meetings, please email contact@mifoodrx.org and include ‘Produce Prescription Statewide Learning Network’ in the subject line. 

Request a technical assistance call with the MIFMA PPR team and leaders of the Michigan PPR Coalitions. 

  • To request, please email contact@mifoodrx.org and include ‘Produce Prescription TA’ in the subject line. 

Looking to implement a PPR program in your community? Here are MIFMA’s recommended resource supports: