The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $479,918 for the Southwest Virginia Produce Prescription Program (SWPRx), led by a regional collaborative including Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP), Carilion Clinic, Radford University, Virginia Fresh Match and Feeding Southwest Virginia. The funding will support a project that integrates regional clinical and community resources to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and improve food security and health outcomes.

SWPRx was one of only 11 nationwide projects selected by USDA for produce prescription program funding. 

Over the next three years, produce prescriptions will be available to eligible Medicaid patients receiving care in Roanoke, Floyd, Franklin County and Radford. Healthcare providers will be able to refer patients with high blood pressure, prediabetes or diabetes to the program through Carilion’s Community Health and Outreach Department. Enrolled patients will participate in the program for six months, attending nutrition classes where they can redeem weekly prescriptions for free fruits and vegetables on-site through Feeding Southwest Virginia, or at participating Virginia Fresh Match outlets, including area farmers markets, mobile markets and local grocers.

“This USDA grant is a transformative opportunity to address some of the most pressing health challenges in our region,” said Beth Polk, M.D., Family and Community Medicine physician at Carilion. “By connecting patients to fresh, nutritious foods and empowering them with education, we aim to improve chronic disease outcomes and enhance food security. This program demonstrates the power of community partnerships in creating meaningful, sustainable health improvements.”

Originally piloted in 2015 in response to findings from Carilion’s Community Health Assessments, this project builds on over ten years of experience implementing small-scale produce prescription programs in underserved Roanoke City communities. Evaluation and research efforts, led by Radford University, will allow the SWPRx project team to improve the program’s impact, sustainability and scalability over time. Research associated with the program will be used to further strengthen health equity and improve patient health outcomes by integrating healthcare with community food systems in a flexible and sustainable way.

“By integrating community food systems into the SWPRx project, we also support local farmers and community-based food retailers and connect participants to programs like food pantries and Virginia Fresh Match outlets that provide ongoing and affordable access to produce,” said Maureen McNamara Best, executive director at LEAP and project director for SWPRx.

These funds will support efforts across the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP). To learn more about the USDA food and nutrition security grant recipients, view their full release here.

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About Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP):

Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP) is a Roanoke-based 501c3 nonprofit. Founded in 2009, LEAP strives to nurture equitable food and farming systems that prioritize health and abundance. LEAP programs include two farmers markets, a mobile market, a farm share, a food hub, a retail store, a processing kitchen, three community gardens, and robust food access programs. LEAP also serves as a fiscal sponsor for Roanoke Foodshed Network and Virginia Fresh Match. Learn more about LEAP at leapforlocalfood.org. 

About Carilion Clinic:

Carilion Clinic is a not-for-profit healthcare organization headquartered in Roanoke, Va. A comprehensive network of hospitals, primary and specialty physician practices and other complementary services enables employees to collaborate in providing quality care close to home for nearly 1 million Virginians. With an enduring commitment to the region’s health and wellness, Carilion also advances care through philanthropy, medical education and research, helps the communities it serves stay healthy and inspires the region to grow stronger. For more information, visit CarilionClinic.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. 

About Radford University:

Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 7,812 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. The University offers 76 bachelor's degree programs in 47 disciplines and six certificates at the undergraduate level; 28 master's programs in 23 disciplines and five doctoral programs at the graduate level; and 19 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master's certificate. A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Conference, Radford University competes in 16 men's and women's varsity athletics. With over 200 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for more than 1,100 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.

About Virginia Fresh Match:

Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) is a network of farmers markets, mobile markets, and community food stores across Virginia. VFM locations offer nutrition incentives that double the value of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) dollars spent on fruits and vegetables. With VFM, SNAP shoppers can afford more fruits and vegetables, local farmers earn extra income, and more dollars stay in the local economy. Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP) serves as fiscal sponsor. Learn more at VirginiaFreshMatch.org.

About Feeding Southwest Virginia:

Feeding Southwest Virginia is a partner of Feeding America. For the last four decades, the Food Bank’s ultimate mission has been to nourish neighbors, engage community partners, and develop solutions to address food insecurity. The primary function of the Food Bank is to secure and distribute large quantities of food for the 1 in 7 food insecure neighbors. Over $34.2 million worth of food and grocery related products are channeled annually through more than 200 food pantries and meal programs throughout our 26-county and nine-city service region. Visit feedingswva.org for more information.