Our Work
Produce Perks Midwest is an Ohio nonprofit that pioneers solutions to address inequities within our food system. Our work increases affordable access to healthy food, supports local farmers and strengthens local economies – in our most under-served communities.
Produce Perks — Ohio’s Nutrition Incentive Program — empowers low-income families to eat more fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers and strengthening local economies.
We help families buy fresh, healthy food from local farmers. This is a simple yet powerful idea with vast opportunity for impact. Produce Perks doubles the purchasing power for low-income shoppers – providing a $1 for $1 match for families and individuals receiving SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) when spent on healthy foods. Our match can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables, stretching the SNAP $ for additional healthy foods.
Produce Prescription (PRx) programming connects patients with diet-related diseases (diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, etc.) to providers that write prescriptions for free fruits and vegetables. Patients are screened for food insecurity within their household and providers issue monthly prescriptions to meet the entire family’s recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Initially launched in Cuyahoga County in 2013.
The Produce Perks Program,Ohio’s Nutrition Incentive Program, is our flagship program and empowers SNAP/EBT recipients to purchase fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables from Ohio farmers and grocery
retailers across the state. With its $1-for-$1 match for shoppers using SNAP/EBT to buy healthy produce, the program increases affordable
access to healthy foods for almost 2 million Ohio households.
The Fruit and Vegetable Program is funded through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and helps make produce more affordable for families with children. Eligible families receive a Fruit & Vegetable Coupon booklet to spend at local food retailers or a home delivery of a produce box.