Catholic health initiatives colorado is extending centura health's mission to nurture the health of people in our communities through the pueblo produce prescription pilot

The purpose of our pilot is to evaluate the impact of a primary care initiated produce prescription incentive and nutrition education program prioritizing fresh local produce. Over three years 1000 patient participants will receive initial produce incentives valued at $100 with up to five $50 monthly refills when returning for routine care and management of their conditions.eligible participants are either managing or at risk of developing a chronic condition and receiving either snap or medicaid benefits. Prescriptions are redeemed at both a seasonal farmers market and a year-round full-service supermarket which each offer snap produce incentives as well. Clinical staff trained on food security and nutrition will also provide nutrition education and enrollment in additional community-based and virtual nutrition education opportunities. As colorado's largest health system we are able to comprehensively measure program impacts on dietary quality food security health outcomes and economic benefits to thecommunity. Leveraging our healthcare expertise and partnerships with higher education state agencies and community organizations we will also assess healthcare cost and utilization impacts and develop tools and resources to enhance clinical program implementation.