Fresh Produce Delivered to Families: Our Partnership with Dayton Children’s

This summer, families in Dayton received fresh, locally sourced produce delivered directly to their home, thanks to a new partnership between Dayton Children’s Hospital and Produce Perks Midwest (PPM). This program, with funding through a Rite Aid Healthy Futures grant, supported 40 families with biweekly produce boxes for six months. That's over 13,000 servings of fruits and vegetables right to patients' kitchens.

Starting in June 2025, enrolled families received a $35 box of fresh fruits and vegetables every other week, prepared by Dot’s Market and delivered through DoorDash. Dayton Children’s Community Health Workers and Healthcare Professionals identified and enrolled families experiencing food insecurity, ensuring the program reached the patients who could benefit the most.

The program made healthy eating easier during a time when transportation, cost, and time are major barriers for families. Each family received:

• 12 produce box deliveries over six months

• Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables

• Nutrition and health education materials

• Text updates and reminders to keep the program simple and accessible

At the end of the program later in December, participants will complete a brief survey to help Dayton Children’s and PPM understand how at-home produce deliveries support families’ eating habits and overall well-being.

This partnership reflects a shared belief in Dayton Children's and PPM's partnership: access to nutritious food supports a family’s health. By bringing produce directly to families’ doors, Dayton Children’s and Produce Perks Midwest are working together to make healthy choices easier for Dayton families, and supporting healthy habits for life.