Food insecurity in North Minneapolis poses a critical challenge, increasing the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease while exacerbating complications for individuals already managing these illnesses. For many residents, particularly those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), accessing affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods remains a persistent struggle due to historical, structural, and systemic barriers.
To address this pressing issue, Asian Media Access (AMA) invited Northside community leaders to form the “Northside Produce Prescription Advisory Committee.” Together, we plan to launch Produce Prescription (Produce Rx) pilot in 2025, in collaboration with Northside community and clinic partners. The program aims to improve food access, support chronic disease management, and promote healthy eating behaviors among underserved populations, with a specific focus on African American and Asian American low-income residents who are at heightened risk for diet-related diseases. By leveraging community-clinic linkages, AMA seeks to create a replicable model to combat food insecurity and foster healthier lifestyles.
With input from the Advisory Committee, AMA will design the pilot program to include the following components:
- Defining Eligibility: Participants will be identified based on their risk factors for food insecurity and chronic conditions.
- Establishing Referral Network: Eligible individuals will be referred to third-party produce suppliers who provide fresh, high-quality, and culturally appropriate produce.
- Delivery or Vouchers for Fruit/Vegetable: FREE Fresh produces may be delivered to participants’ homes, or using vouchers to purchase vegetables/fruits at local farmer markets, in order to eliminating barriers such as transportation and ensuring consistent access to nutritious food.
- Additional Support: Participants will receive follow-up health education and support to encourage healthier dietary habits and effective chronic disease management.
- The Produce Rx pilot has the potential to deliver transformative benefits for participants:
- Improved Chronic Disease Management: Participants are expected to gain better control over conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
- Enhanced Diet Quality: Access to fresh, culturally appropriate produce can inspire healthier eating habits.
- Increased Food Security: Regular deliveries will reduce the uncertainty of running out of food, particularly for low-income families.
In partnership with the Northside Produce Prescription Advisory Committee, AMA plans to refine the Produce Rx pilot by addressing critical questions around the dosage, duration, and types of cultural produce provided. This targeted approach will explore culturally tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of African American and Asian American communities in North Minneapolis.
By grounding the program in cultural context and community input, AMA aims to create a sustainable and effective model that not only combats food insecurity but also considers the cultural implications of food choices and dietary preferences, so the Produce Rx pilot can serve more than just a food distribution initiative—it’s a transformative effort to build healthier, more equitable communities.
