Implementing a Produce Prescription Program in Partnership With a Community Coalition

Area of Science:

• Public Health and Nutrition Interventions
• Social Prescribing and Community Health

Background:

• Healthy eating is crucial for chronic disease prevention but often inaccessible due to food insecurity.
• Produce Prescription Programs (PPPs) are emerging interventions to overcome barriers to fruit and vegetable intake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of the Pontiac Prescription for Health pilot program.
• To highlight the participatory planning process and practical aspects of establishing a PPP.

Main Methods:

• Developed a program model including recruitment, a vendor voucher system, and health education.
• Employed a participatory planning approach with community partners.
• Integrated physical activity opportunities and culturally competent education sessions.

Main Results:

• The pilot program successfully integrated various components for PPP implementation.
• Lessons learned emphasize the importance of rigorous participatory planning and adequate vendor system setup.

Conclusions:

• Community partner engagement and sufficient time for vendor agreements are critical for PPP success.
• Effective implementation strategies are necessary for robust and impactful Produce Prescription Programs.