Short answer: A clinic or health plan "prescribes" fruits and vegetables. Patients redeem the prescription at your market. You report back what was redeemed. Health partners bring patients, funding and credibility.
How a produce prescription works
A clinic screens patients for food insecurity or a diet-related condition.
Eligible patients get a prescription: a voucher, card or code worth a set amount each week or month.
They redeem it at your market for fresh fruits and vegetables.
You track redemptions and share them with the health partner.
Steps to start a partnership
Start with a stop at the clinic. A weekly market in the parking lot is the easiest first yes.
Agree on who is eligible and how patients are referred.
Agree on how prescriptions are paid. Who funds them, how often you invoice, and how you prove redemption.
Agree on the data. What you share, how often, and how you protect privacy. Never collect health information you do not need.
Write it down in a short partnership agreement.
Who pays
USDA GusNIP Produce Prescription grants. For nonprofits and government agencies. FY26 awards were $500,000 each, with no match required. Watch for the next round.
Health systems and health plans. Community benefit budgets and Food is Medicine programs.
Medicaid. Some states cover nutrition supports through waivers. Ask your state Medicaid agency.
