Produce Prescription Policy Project for the Securement of a Grant to Address Food Insecurity for Low-Income Type II Diabetic Patients

Isabel Garcia-Gallegos BSN-RN FNP-DNP Student Produce Prescription Policy Project for the Securement of a Grant to Address Food Insecurity for Low-Income Type II Diabetic Patients. PURPOSE This policy-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project aims to secure grant funding through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) to implement a produce prescription program at a community clinic in Texas. The program targets low-income adults (18-65 years) with type II diabetes who experience food insecurity and are affected by Medicaid non-expansion. BACKGROUND Texas’ decision not to expand Medicaid has exacerbated food insecurity among low-income residents, particularly those managing type II diabetes. This decision creates a healthcare policy gap that this project aims to address with a food-as-medicine program. METHODOLOGY Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, this project developed a grant proposal and submitted it to grants.gov for approval. The application includes a Project Narrative, Logic Model, Budget, and Letters of Support. If funded, the produce prescription program will enroll 150 participants, providing $50 per month on an iQ digital card for fresh produce purchases. The project aims to improve HbA1C by 0.5% and increase fruit and vegetable intake by 1.2 servings/day. Program utilization and food insecurity will be assessed using a 26-question core metric survey. RESULTS & IMPLICATIONS The grant is under review; funding will support program implementation upon approval. This project will contribute to evidence demonstrating that produce prescription programs improve glycemic control in food-insecure individuals. Findings will support food-as-medicine programs to inform policy advocacy and guide future expansion to enhance health equity in Texas. The next steps include sustaining funding and integrating nutrition-based interventions into chronic disease management policy.