Phase 2 Produce Prescription Pilot Program

The Phase 2 Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) is administered by the Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is implemented through the Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention and is designed to address persistent disparities in food access and nutrition-related health outcomes among American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Building on earlier pilot efforts, this second phase emphasizes expanding access to nutritious and culturally relevant foods while integrating healthcare services with community-based food systems. The program recognizes that food insecurity and chronic disease, including diabetes, are deeply interconnected and require coordinated, community-driven solutions. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations in developing and implementing produce prescription programs. These programs enable healthcare providers to prescribe fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods to eligible participants, who can then redeem these prescriptions through approved food vendors and partners. The initiative aims to reduce food insecurity, improve dietary patterns, and promote holistic health and well-being by combining clinical care, nutrition education, and community engagement. Emphasis is placed on culturally appropriate strategies that reflect community values, traditions, and food systems. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement mechanism, indicating substantial involvement from IHS throughout the project period. The total estimated program funding is $3,500,000, with individual awards ranging from $200,000 to $250,000 per year. Projects are expected to operate over five one-year budget periods, contingent on funding availability and satisfactory performance. Funds may be used for program infrastructure, partnerships with healthcare providers and food suppliers, nutrition education activities, and data collection systems. However, pre-award costs are not allowable, and all expenditures must align with federal cost principles and program-specific restrictions. Eligibility is limited to federally recognized Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations that meet specific statutory definitions. Applicants must demonstrate strong partnerships with healthcare providers and food systems and provide documentation such as Tribal resolutions or proof of nonprofit status. Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible. Applications must include required components such as a project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting attachments, including letters of support and audit documentation. Failure to meet completeness and responsiveness criteria will result in disqualification. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov by June 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants must maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. The application includes multiple components such as a project summary, detailed narrative, budget justification, and required federal forms. Evaluation is based on a 100-point scoring system covering need, project design, evaluation plan, organizational capacity, and budget justification. Applications undergo an initial compliance review followed by a merit-based evaluation by a review committee. Award decisions consider not only merit scores but also geographic distribution, past performance, and overall program priorities. Successful applicants are expected to begin their projects around July 15, 2026, with ongoing reporting requirements including annual progress reports and data submissions. Recipients must participate in technical assistance activities, training sessions, and periodic evaluations coordinated by IHS. The cooperative agreement structure ensures ongoing collaboration between awardees and federal staff to support effective program implementation and evaluation. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact the Indian Health Service Division of Grants Management via email at DGM@ihs.gov. Additional programmatic inquiries can be directed to designated IHS staff listed in the funding announcement. This opportunity does not specify recurring funding cycles, and applicants should treat it as a single-cycle competitive funding opportunity with a defined submission deadline and project timeline.

Strong applications will demonstrate partnerships with healthcare and food systems include clear data collection plans and show culturally appropriate nutrition strategies aligned with community needs