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Date of Award

Spring 2024

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Zachary Weik

Abstract

According to the US Department of Agriculture, 12.8% of US households were food insecure throughout 2022 [1]. Food insecurity and lack of fruits and vegetables are associated with increased incidence of chronic diseases. Government programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) aim to aid people struggling with food insecurity, but there are gaps in these benefits. Produce Prescription (PRx) programs have potential to fill these gaps, allowing providers to prescribe fruits and vegetables through partner organizations. PRxs are growing throughout the US through funding by the 2018 Farm Bill, advocacy work by the National Produce Prescription Collaborative (NPPC), and other sources. This paper will discuss food insecurity risks, SNAP and WIC gaps, PRx definitions, PRx prevalence, PRx implementation process, PRx benefits, and PRx barriers.

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Produce Prescription Programs To Improve Health Outcomes in The United States

According to the US Department of Agriculture, 12.8% of US households were food insecure throughout 2022 [1]. Food insecurity and lack of fruits and vegetables are associated with increased incidence of chronic diseases. Government programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) aim to aid people struggling with food insecurity, but there are gaps in these benefits. Produce Prescription (PRx) programs have potential to fill these gaps, allowing providers to prescribe fruits and vegetables through partner organizations. PRxs are growing throughout the US through funding by the 2018 Farm Bill, advocacy work by the National Produce Prescription Collaborative (NPPC), and other sources. This paper will discuss food insecurity risks, SNAP and WIC gaps, PRx definitions, PRx prevalence, PRx implementation process, PRx benefits, and PRx barriers.