Baltimore’s Health Department has received a $1.85 million state award to establish a produce-delivery program for residents with chronic disease who struggle to obtain enough food, the city announced October 21.
The planned ProduceRx program would provide a six-month “produce prescription” delivered to participants’ homes. The money comes from the Maryland Department of Health’s Population Health Improvement Fund.
The city says programming is expected to start in the coming weeks. Its announcement does not give a specific opening date, enrollment form, application deadline or detailed eligibility rules beyond the intended population.
The initiative brings the city health department together with clinical partners, including MedStar Health. Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor described the effort as a way to reduce barriers to food access; improved health outcomes are a program goal, rather than results reported in this announcement.
The city also links the award to Maryland’s ENOUGH communities initiative. Residents seeking program updates are directed to the Baltimore City Health Department’s website.