The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) received a $465,943 Project Grant award from the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) under the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP, CFDA 10.331). The award will support ASAP's implementation of a Farm Fresh Prescription Program centered on direct-to-consumer sales in Asheville, North Carolina from September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2024.
The program aims to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by providing weekly financial incentives for fresh, local fruits and vegetables to address food insecurity and encourage increased consumption. Prescriptions will be issued for six-month periods with an optional refill for up to one year total. The program also incorporates local food and farm activities to support healthy eating culture and habits. It seeks to remove barriers to accessing fresh produce while strengthening the local food system and building community connections.
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