Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (FV) is associated with lower risks of mortality and morbidity related to diet-related illnesses

The University of Maryland, College Park received a $482,977 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture under the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (CFDA 10.331), awarded on September 16, 2025, with a completion date of September 15, 2028. The grant funds the establishment, implementation, and evaluation of a community-led Produce Prescription Program designed to improve diet-related health outcomes and food security among low-income populations in two Maryland counties with elevated rates of food insecurity and diet-related illness.

The program delivers a comprehensive intervention model to 140 food-insecure individuals that includes: (1) six weeks of Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) nutrition education; (2) prescribed weekly deliveries of locally grown fruits and vegetables for 24 weeks; and (3) monthly telephone-based nutritional counseling throughout the 24-week intervention period. Additionally, the project develops a referral network involving local food producers, healthcare providers, and extension educators to facilitate program implementation. The initiative evaluates program effectiveness across fruit and vegetable intake, psychosocial factors influencing consumption, food insecurity levels, and clinical health outcomes. By partnering with the Extension System, healthcare providers, and community organizations, the program aims to create a replicable, sustainable model that supports both individual health improvements and local agricultural economic resilience.

However, a vast majority of the US population does not meet the daily recommended intake of FV, with the lowest intake observed in individuals living in poverty. The project goal is to establish, implement, and evaluate a community-led produce prescription program that improves diet-related health outcomes and food security by increasing locally sourced FV consumption. Utilizing a multi-faceted and collaborative approach, we aim to construct a successful and sustainable produce prescription model. Additionally, the project will support local farmers, fostering a more resilient and economically sustainable local food system, supporting rural america.objectives: a) develop a referral network (e.g., local food producers/distributors, healthcare providers, extension educators) and enroll 140 food-insecure individuals from two maryland counties selected due to a higher rate of food insecurity, and higher prevalence of diet-related illness. B) implement a community-driven produce prescription program. Components will include: a 6-week efnep nutrition education, prescribed, locally grown weekly FV delivery, and monthly tele-counseling for 24 weeks. Evaluate the effectiveness of the program on FV intake, psychosocial factors related to FV consumption, food insecurity, and clinical outcomes.by employing evidence-based research methodologies and partnering with the extension system, healthcare providers, and community partners, our program aims to create sustainable and impactful transformations for individuals experiencing food insecurity while bolstering local food systems. Our program can serve as a replicable model in similar settings.