Indian Health Service: Produce Prescription Pilot Program

The purpose of this program is to help establish Produce Prescription Programs through collaborations with stakeholders from various health care and food industries in Tribal communities. The P4 will help increase access to fruits, vegetables, and he

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in the environments where individuals are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age, that affect health and quality of life risks and outcomes. One of the SDOH that can contribute significantly to various health disparities and inequities is access to nutritious foods. If people or communities do not have nutrition security, they are less likely to have good nutrition, placing them at risk for health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity ( https://health.gov/​healthypeople/​priority-areas/​social-determinants-health). Studies have shown that people and communities of color, families with children, and people who live in remote areas, including Tribal communities, have a higher rate of diet-related chronic diseases ( https://www.usda.gov/​media/​press-releases/​2022/​03/​17/​usda-announces-actions-nutrition-security). For example, according to the 2022 Centers for Disease Control National Diabetes Statistics Report, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was highest among American Indians and Alaska Natives (14.5 percent), followed by non-Hispanic Blacks (12.1 percent), people of Hispanic origin (11.8 percent), non-Hispanic Asians (9.5 percent) and non-Hispanic Whites (7.4 percent), compared to 8.7 percent of the United States (U.S.) population ( https://www.cdc.gov/​diabetes/​data/​statistics-report/​index.html).

Federally recognized Indian tribes; tribal organizations; nonprofit inter-tribal organizations; nonprofit urban Indian organizations contracting with the Indian Health Service under Title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act; public or private nonprofit health and education entities; and State and local government health agencies.

American Indians/Alaska Natives will be the ultimate beneficiaries of the funded projects either directly or indirectly depending upon the nature of the project. For example, those individuals who participate in research studies and receive services will be direct beneficiaries while those impacted by policy changes resulting from analyses of Indian health care issues will be indirect beneficiaries.

Federal assistance is to be used for the following purposes: (1) Research, analysis, and investigation of a broad range of issues affecting the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives; and (2) demonstration projects and studies that provide American Indians/Alaska Natives with impetus and involvement in their health care and that promote improved health care to Indian people.

All IHS Grants Funds are for discretionary grant activities.

The selection criteria are: Statement of problem(s) requiring solution; need for assistance; results or benefits expected from the project; approach or soundness of the applicant's plan for conducting the project; key personnel and their capability to carry out the project; and adequacy of management controls. Consideration will be given to the demonstrative aspects of the project and the compatibility of the project with the overall goals and objectives of the Indian Health Service.

After review and approval, a notice of award is prepared and processed, along with appropriate notification to the public.

Initial project period of up to 5 years, usually 3 years, with competitive renewals for periods not to exceed a total project period of 5 years.

Grant appeals will follow PHS appeals procedures: 42 CFR, Part 50, Subpart D.