The idea of a food prescription is similar to a medical one: fresh produce helps patients with chronic conditions like diabetes stay healthy.
The first-ever Food Rx Summit in Missoula brought leaders of “prescription produce programs” under one roof to swap ideas and discuss ways to connect Montanans with healthy food.
Land to Hand Montana runs one of those programs in the Flathead Valley. Coordinator Mara Schradle says the number of families they’re serving swelled by 250% since 2022.
“Really, it tells us that the need is greater than we could ever meet,” Schradle said. “We have to realize that we need a national push, which is why this collaborative is so exciting.”
Here’s how it works: doctors connect patients having special dietary needs to a food prescription program. Patients can then redeem vouchers and gift cards for free produce at grocery stores or farmers markets.
The summit is a milestone for food prescription work in the state, says organizer Bridget McDonald.
“Having the ability to all connect in person is really going to facilitate a lot of change, and also excitement,” McDonald said. “I think that, people all coming together who share a passion — it’ll be a big jump forward.”
A 2021 Harvard report identified one food prescription program in Montana at the time. State health officials say there are now more than 10.
