Population Health Improvement Fund (PHIF): Produce Prescriptions (Produce Rx)

The Maryland Department of Health, through its Office of Population Health and Strategic Initiatives and in collaboration with the Maryland Commission on Health Equity, is offering funding under the Population Health Improvement Fund to support Produce Prescriptions programs. This initiative is part of the broader AHEAD model, which aims to improve population health outcomes while controlling healthcare costs across the state. The fund itself was established through legislative action and is supported by statewide healthcare rate adjustments designed to invest in upstream health interventions. Produce prescriptions are a Food is Medicine strategy that integrates access to nutritious foods into clinical care to address chronic, diet-related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the implementation of culturally appropriate, community-tailored produce prescription programs in high-poverty areas defined as ENOUGH communities. These communities are identified based on high child poverty rates and overlap with school zones experiencing significant economic hardship. The program is designed to improve food security, enhance dietary quality, and ultimately improve health outcomes among vulnerable populations. It also seeks to strengthen connections between healthcare providers and community-based food systems while addressing broader social determinants of health. Funding under this opportunity totals ten million dollars and will be distributed across multiple awards. The anticipated performance period runs from mid-September 2026 through June 2028, structured across two state fiscal years. Grantees are required to implement comprehensive programs that include identifying eligible patients, prescribing produce as a medical intervention, delivering produce boxes for a six-month period, and providing wraparound services such as nutrition education and connections to primary care. Programs must also participate in statewide evaluation efforts to measure impact and support long-term sustainability planning. Eligible applicants must apply as coalitions consisting of at least two organizations. These coalitions may include nonprofit organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations. The lead applicant must be a nonprofit, government entity, or academic institution, and all coalition members must be in good standing with the State of Maryland. Importantly, applicants must demonstrate that their proposed programs will serve ENOUGH-eligible communities and meet all mandatory requirements, including documentation of nonprofit status where applicable. The application process includes several required components. Applicants must submit a detailed project narrative, budget forms, and supporting documentation such as letters of support, resumes of key staff, and proof of organizational standing. The project narrative must outline the program design, target population, coalition structure, community engagement strategies, and evaluation plans. Additional required elements include a data security plan, quality control strategy, business plan for sustainability, and a work plan with defined milestones and metrics. A Letter of Intent is required prior to the full application, and all submissions must be sent electronically via email. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as the strength of the coalition, the feasibility and impact of the proposed program, community engagement, quality assurance measures, and alignment of the budget with proposed activities. Priority is given to proposals serving communities already receiving related funding under the ENOUGH initiative. The timeline for this funding opportunity includes a Letter of Intent deadline in July 2026, a final application deadline in August 2026, and anticipated award decisions in early fall 2026. Questions and applications must be submitted to the designated program email, and an informational webinar was held to guide applicants through the process. This funding opportunity does not require matching funds, and there are specific restrictions on the use of funds, including prohibitions on construction, fundraising, and certain administrative costs. Overall, the program represents a significant investment in community-based health interventions and aims to establish scalable models for integrating nutrition into healthcare delivery across Maryland.

Focus on strong coalition partnerships community engagement and clear implementation plans aligned with evaluation criteria