About Our ProgramPrescription 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, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, GUS-NIP, and Humana.
This program uses a “social prescribing” model to connect individuals (18+) with fruits and vegetables and health educational resources.Social prescribing is a method that refers individuals to nonclinical supportive services and community resources that address social, emotional, or practical needs. 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. 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. |
Future DirectionOur team is actively seeking additional funding to be able to expand this program throughout communities in Oakland County. Additionally, we are exploring ways to replace paper vouchers with an electronic card system, which will make it easier for participants to spend and ease any burden on vendors and program staff to manage and track spending. We are also looking to add additional referral partners, including medical clinics, and add to grocery store and market vendors. Lastly, in the future we hope to collaborate with more community partners and resources to offer more physical activity opportunities to participants.
In late 2022, the program applied and received grant funding through The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP). Thank you to our partners and supporters:
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Meet Our Team
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Carrie
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Program Timeline
