What is Veggie Rx?

Veggie Rx is a produce prescription program used as a medical treatment or preventative service for patients: 

• Patients are eligible due to a diet-related health risk or condition, food insecurity, or other documented challenges accessing nutritious foods, and are referred by a health care provider or health insurance plan.  

• These prescriptions are fulfilled through food retail and enable patients to access healthy produce* with no added fats, sugars, or sale at low or no cost to the patient. 

• When appropriately dosed, Veggie Rx programs are designed to improve healthcare outcomes, optimize medical spend, and increase patient engagement and satisfaction.

 (*As defined under section 10010 of the Agricultural Act of 2014, Public Law 113-79. These concerns include but are not limited to obesity, diabetes, and food insecurity. Some programs also offer nutrition counseling, cooking education, and promote physical activity alongside increased access to fresh and healthy food.)

2025 Working Group Meetings

1. February: Watch meeting recording

   We heard from Project DASH and CSA Partnerships for Health, Frontier Veggie Rx, and more!

2. May: Watch meeting recording

   Cintia Vimiero, the Healthier Together Oregon Strategist from the Public Health Division of Oregon Health Authority, shared updates on Oregon’s State Health Assessment (SHA) and State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). We also heard updates and shared resources from the HRSN Nutrition Benefits Learning Collaborative.

3. August: Watch meeting recording

   The Policy Team at Mom's Meals shared their experience with Medicaid 1115 waiver (HRSN) nutrition rollout in different states and lessons learned from program implementations as a Nutrition Services provider and food as medicine advocacy. In Oregon, Mom's Meals is currently contracted as an HRSN Medically Tailored Meals and Nutrition Education provider.

   Kimberly Satterfield, Senior Policy Research Analyst

   Dr. Rebecca Zuchowski, Research Policy Analyst

4. October: Watch meeting recording

   Kaila Luttrell (UC Veg) in Roseburg shared their Veggie Rx Program model and updates as they enter their third year of using the AboutFresh card for participants and referrals through UniteUs.

   Machayla Fortin (AboutFresh) will share about the three main components of their program and how the platform has improved over the years

   Gina Zatairan (OHSU) will be sharing about The Toward Healthy Lifestyles Initiative partnership with CO-LED and community-based organizations to support innovative approaches to exercise and nutrition for OHSU IDS members.