The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program Produce Prescription Program
This grant supports projects that prescribe fresh fruits and vegetables to improve nutrition, reduce food insecurity, and lower healthcare costs for participating households.
Funder: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (funder page)
Due Dates: July 16, 2026: Full application submission deadline
Funding Amounts: $500,000 per award (up to 3 years); estimated total program funding: $5,280,800; ~12 awards expected
Summary: Supports projects that evaluate and demonstrate the impact of prescribing fresh fruits and vegetables on health, food security, and healthcare use among eligible households.
Key Information: No matching funds required; only one application per eligible entity is allowed.
Description
This grant opportunity funds projects that bring together food and healthcare system stakeholders to test and evaluate the impact of produce prescription programs—initiatives where eligible individuals receive prescriptions for fresh fruits and vegetables. The primary goals are to improve dietary health, reduce food insecurity, and decrease healthcare use and associated costs for participating households. Projects must partner with healthcare organizations and may include incentives, nutrition education, and expanded access points for fresh produce. The program is designed to support innovative, evidence-based approaches that address nutrition-related health disparities and foster collaboration between food and health sectors.
