HonorHealth has introduced a new Produce Prescription Program through its Desert Mission initiative, aiming to improve health and food security in the greater Phoenix area. Supported by nearly $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), this effort is designed for Medicare or Medicaid patients who are managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or experiencing food insecurity.
The program allows eligible patients to receive a monthly credit of $50 for six months, which can be used to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables at Desert Mission’s Mobile Farm Stands. Alongside access to produce, participants are provided with nutrition education and continuous support from their healthcare team.
Haeli Miceli, executive director of Desert Mission, stated: “Desert Mission has always focused on meeting people where they are. As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2027, this program reflects how we continue to evolve — bringing healthcare and nutrition together in ways that truly support our community.”
Shad Marvasti, M.D., M.P.H., executive director of the HonorHealth Whole Health Institute added: “Food is medicine. By prescribing fresh produce alongside clinical care, we’re addressing root causes of chronic disease and supporting patients in taking meaningful steps toward better health.”
The program is scheduled to run until September 14, 2028. Its objectives include improving dietary habits, strengthening nutritional security, and achieving better health outcomes related to blood pressure, weight management, and blood sugar control.
HonorHealth operates as one of Arizona’s largest nonprofit healthcare systems. It serves approximately five million residents across the Phoenix metropolitan area through a network that includes nine acute-care hospitals and a range of primary care and specialty services.
