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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.
Recommended Citation
Spencer, Anna, "Produce Prescription Programs To Improve Health Outcomes in The United States" (2024). Capstone Showcase. 40.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2024/pa/40
Additional Files
Special Topic_ Produce Prescription Programs To Improve Health Outcomes in The United States .pdf (207 kB)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.