Background

The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) is one of the many programs through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture that addresses hunger and food security. The primary goal of GusNIP is to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income consumers participating in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of purchase. SNAP, known as CalFresh Food in California is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger and a powerful tool to improve nutrition among low-income people. Research has shown that incentivizing SNAP participants to purchase fruits and vegetables increases their affordability, access and consumption of produce.

As part of the GusNIP grant, the Produce Prescription Project (PPR) brings together stakeholders from the food and healthcare system to improve the health and nutritional status of low-income households who suffer from or is at risk of developing a diet-related health condition. PPR aims to improve dietary health through the consumption of fruits and vegetables; reduce individual and household food insecurity; and reduce healthcare use and associated costs.

Los Angeles County's Produce Prescription Project: Fresco y Saludable/Fresh and Healthy

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health partnered Asian Pacific Healthcare Venture, Inc., EatSF - Vouchers 4 Veggies, Northeast Valley Health Corporation, and Venice Family Clinic to implement produce prescription projects across Los Angeles. Locally known as "Fresco y Saludable/Fresh and Healthy" the goal of the program is to provide incentives for food insecure, Medi-Cal patients who are either a prediabetic or diabetic to purchase fruits and vegetables at participating grocery stores. Participants must be current patients at Asian Pacific Healthcare Venture, Northeast Valley Health Corporation or Venice Family Clinic to be eligible.

Clinic Staff Experiences Implementing Fresco y Saludable/Fresh and Healthy

We interviewed clinic staff to understand their experiences in implementing Fresco y Saludable/Fresh and Healthy produce prescription program. Published in Diabetology, this qualitative study explores the facilitators and barriers clinic staff encountered while implementing this program. Interviewees discussed the importance of having preexisting partnerships and programs to support produce prescriptions at their clinic sites. Findings can be used to inform future program efforts.