04/06/2026
In February 2016, a large university-affiliated pediatric and resident clinic in a low-income, urban area partnered with researchers and a local farmers’ market to create Michigan’s first FVPP entirely for children. The program included provider-issued prescriptions for fresh produce that were distributed during all office visits. Prescriptions were redeemable for fresh fruits and vegetables at either the downtown farmers’ market or a local mobile market that offered produce box delivery throughout the city. Caregivers whose children participated in this year-round FVPP viewed it as effective in improving child dietary patterns and household food security.
The identical program was expanded to two pediatric clinics and one family practice clinic in subsequent years with research demonstrating positive impacts on diet, food security, and clinical markers of health in pediatric patients. The purpose of the current study was to qualitatively explore healthcare provider and clinic staff experiences with and perceptions of this prevention-focused pediatric FVPP.
Read full article at BMC Nutrition
