About
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Prescription for a Healthy Oakland, also called Rx for Health, is a Prescription Produce Program (PPP) that has operated in various communities in Oakland County since 2017. The program has been grant-funded since its inception, receiving funds from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), Michigan Health Endowment Fund (MHEF), and W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Prescription Produce Programs provide incentives in the form of vouchers or tokens for program participants to exchange for fruits and vegetables at local, participating farmers markets and grocery stores. Referral partners have included medical clinics, federal/state funded food assistance programs, faith communities, and other community-based non-profit agencies. Eligible participants are referred individuals who have limited financial resources and are at higher risk for diet-related chronic conditions. They must complete one health education session per month for six months in order to receive a set monthly amount of produce vouchers. Historically, voucher amounts have been $40/month for Individuals/Seniors and $80/month for Families with children under 18 in the household. The overarching goal of Rx for Health is to increase access to healthy foods (fruits & vegetables), improve food security, and support healthy behaviors. We accomplish this through the produce vouchers, online health education sessions, and sharing of community resources and physical activity opportunities. |