DORCHESTER/CAROLINE COUNTY - The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is awarding $10 million to increase fresh produce access in high-poverty communities.
State health officials say the goal of the funding is to improve health outcomes for Marylanders and address food insecurity.
The Produce Rx initiative includes produce prescriptions, which is a medical treatment for a diet-related condition, such as high blood pressure. Upon determining that produce (fruit and vegetables) is an appropriate and impactful intervention for a condition, a provider or other professional would “prescribe” produce to a patient. Through the prescribed medical nutrition, the patient will receive free produce to add to their daily meals.
In Caroline and Dorchester County, the Center for a HealthyMaryland’s coalition will unite MedChi physicians, NourishedRx, and ENOUGH Community Quarterbacks to deliver fresh, culturally tailored Maryland-grown produce and expert nutrition counseling to adults with hypertension.
The MDH Population Health Improvement Fund includes the following on the eastern shore of Maryland:
- $700,000 for the Dorchester Health Department (Dorchester County)
- $400,000 for the Center for a Healthy Maryland (Caroline and Dorchester Counties)
You can read a full breakdown of the funding by visiting the MDH website here.
