Population Health Improvement Fund Produce Prescriptions in ENOUGH Communities

The Maryland Department of Health Office of Population Health and Strategic Initiatives is requesting applications for grants to fund produce prescription programs in high-poverty communities, with applications due August 17, 2026 by 5 PM EST. Multiple awards from $10 million in total Population Health Improvement Fund availability are anticipated.

Lead applicants must be non-profit organizations classified as tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3), government entities, or academic institutions in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation and tax compliant with the Maryland Comptroller's Office. Applicants must form coalitions of two or more organizations and serve at least one ENOUGH-eligible community, defined as census tracts with child poverty rates exceeding 30% that intersect Maryland public school catchment zones with school poverty rates of 75% or higher. Priority funding is available for proposals serving ENOUGH communities currently receiving Governor's Office for Children grant funding.

The scope requires implementation of evidence-based produce prescription programs providing free produce to patients with nutrition-sensitive conditions including high-risk pregnancy, hypertension, diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic diseases. Services run from September 15, 2026 through June 30, 2028, with awards structured as separate grant agreements by State Fiscal Year.

Applications must include a project narrative limited to 15 pages, two detailed budget forms addressing per-box costs and additional expenses, data security and quality control plans, and a business plan addressing sustainability and payer reimbursement. Supporting materials include IRS designation letters, letters of support, staff resumes, and coalition governance documentation.

Questions are due August 3, 2026. An informational webinar is scheduled for June 29, 2026 from 3–4 PM EST via Google Meet. Letters of Intent were due July 27, 2026. Applications submit to mdh.ProduceRx@maryland.gov.