Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** the mana KU produce prescription…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** the mana KU produce prescription program aims to address the significant challenge of food insecurity and the associated health issues prevalent in the waianae coast region of hawaii. This issue extends beyond the direct impact on the local population, influencing the broader economic aspect, community well-being, and environmental sustainability. Addressing food insecurity and promoting healthier diets not only contributes to improved public health but also encourages local agriculture, fostering economic growth, and reducing environmental impact by decreasing reliance on imported food products. This program adds to elepaio social service's currently established food as medicine programs, which connect good food to positive health outcomes. A total of 210 householdsidentified as food insecureby healthcare providers may qualify to receive $100 loaded onto an electronic card each month over the 12 month program ($1200 total)to purchase local fruits, vegetables and POI from the health center's farmers market. In collaboration with a localeducational farm, we will offerfourmonthly educational workshopsfocused around nutrition, food production and preparation using indigenous crops.participants will complete surveys and health check-UPS before, during and after the program to allow for tracking ofimprovements in health indicators. We will also track patient's health and encounters with providersat the waianae coast comprehensive health center and calculate healthcare savings costs. Through this program, we hope to enhance food security, improve health outcomes, and stimulate local agriculture. The anticipated societal benefits include a healthier community, economic growth through the promotion of local produce, and a projectedreduction in healthcare costs due to improved community health.