Work underway in Flint to improve access to healthy food for children will now be replicated on a national scale to improve health outcomes across the country.

Michigan State University (MSU) shared in a press release that Flint’s produce prescription program, supported by CMF members, was the model for a new federal Produce Prescription Program that was included in the 2018 Farm Bill.

Flint’s program, managed by MSU and Hurley Children’s Clinic, launched at the Hurley Children’s Clinic which is located inside the Flint Farmers Market.

Prior to the launch, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation provided support to help the Hurley Pediatric Clinic relocate to the farmers market. 

As MSU shares, parents receive a $15 prescription for fresh fruits and vegetables that can be filled at the Flint Farmers Market or through the Flint Fresh Mobile Market.

CMF members the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF) and Michigan Health Endowment Fund (MHEF) have both helped to fund the local program.

“Not only are Flint children accessing nutrition education and healthy foods, but now youth across the country will benefit from this program,” Isaiah Oliver, president and CEO of CFGF said. “Access to healthy foods is one of our strategic priorities and it is gratifying to see a homegrown program be elevated nationally.”

"As a funder we want to see successful programs grow, so we're thrilled to see the prescription for nutrition program become part of federal policy," Megan Murphy, program officer, MHEF said. "Access not just to food, but healthy food, is critical for Michigan families’ overall health. As culinary medicine efforts continue expanding, we are working to better understand their effectiveness."

The legislation states that the new federal Produce Prescription Program will award grants to programs and projects that improve dietary health, reduce food insecurity and reduce health care use and costs.

“Good nutrition is important to leading a healthy life,” Senator Debbie Stabenow, a co-author of the Farm Bill said in a release. “Produce prescriptions encourage healthy eating while also fueling our local food economy. Building off the successful work led by MSU and Hurley Children’s Clinic, I was very pleased to include this innovative initiative in the Farm Bill to connect even more families with fresh, healthy food.”

The national program may include health care providers, nongovernmental organizations, regional food centers, institutes of higher education and other appropriate organizations and agencies.

In Flint, the food prescription program continues to gain momentum, expanding to a second pediatric clinic through the support of a $500,000 grant from MHEF.