Maryland is making $10 million available through a new Produce Rx grant program designed to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for residents with chronic health conditions while addressing food insecurity and childhood poverty.
Governor Wes Moore announced the funding this week as part of the Maryland Department of Health’s “Food Is Medicine” initiative. The program will provide produce prescriptions to individuals experiencing food insecurity and managing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high-risk pregnancies. The grants will prioritize Maryland’s designated ENOUGH communities, where childhood poverty is highly concentrated.
The two-year grant program will support coalitions of health care providers, local governments, schools, nonprofits and food assistance organizations. In addition to providing fresh produce, recipients are encouraged to offer nutrition education, culinary instruction and assistance accessing public benefits. Preference will be given to programs that source food from Maryland farmers. Applications are due by Aug. 17, with awards expected to be announced this fall.
For more information about the program and application requirements, visit the Maryland Department of Health’s Produce Rx website.
