Produce Prescription Pilot Program- IHC Project designed to improve food security, nutrition, and whole-person health among AI and AN individuals and families residing in North San Diego County. - Indian Health Council, Inc. (IHC) proposes a Phase 2 Produce Prescription Pilot Project designed to improve food security, nutrition, and whole-person health among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals and families residing in North San Diego County. The overarching goal of this initiative is to demonstrate and evaluate the impact of Produce Prescription (P4) interventions by: (1) reducing food insecurity; (2) improving dietary patterns through increased access to and consumption of fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods; and (3) promoting overall health and well-being through culturally responsive nutrition education and lifestyle support. The project is grounded in the belief that access to healthy food alone is not sufficient to create lasting change. In addition to stabilizing food access, participants will gain practical knowledge and skills to obtain, prepare, even grow and harvest, and incorporate nutritious and traditional foods into their daily lives. Through education and experiential learning, participants will be empowered to recognize, value, and choose healthier food options that support long-term behavior change and chronic disease prevention. IHC will implement a comprehensive, integrated approach that combines healthcare, nutrition, and community engagement. Strategies include targeted outreach and recruitment through eye-catching Farmacy Stand displays at monthly IHC Farmers Markets; culturally relevant marketing campaigns; referrals and enrollment through an interdisciplinary care team consisting of healthcare providers, a Registered Dietitian, a Physical Activity Specialist, behavioral health, Tribal Family Services staff and local agricultural partners. Participant retention and engagement will be supported through innovative activities such as the IHC P4 Rx Farmacy, “Taste and Try” food sampling experiences, common and traditional food cooking demonstrations, nutrition classes, hands-on educational opportunities and convenient food distribution at Farmers Markets or delivered straight to the participants home. By addressing food insecurity while fostering nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy, and healthy lifestyle behaviors, the Phase 2 Produce Prescription Pilot Project seeks to improve health outcomes, strengthen community resilience, and advance health equity among the AI/AN populations served by IHC.
