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(05/12/25) BATON ROUGE, La. — A produce prescription program is putting fresh fruits and vegetables within reach for families in rural Louisiana.
The Healthy Families Produce Prescription (HFPRx) program — developed through a partnership of the LSU AgCenter’s High Obesity Program (HOP), Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign and About Fresh — is now available in Assumption, Terrebonne, Winn, Morehouse and Claiborne parishes.
HFPRx helps families with Medicaid-enrolled children between the ages of 3 and 17 access healthier foods by providing $40 a month for six months on a pre-loaded FreshConnect card. This card can be used to purchase fresh produce at participating grocery stores and farmers markets, including Walmart and Albertsons.
“Access to nutritious food is a critical part of public health,” said Jamila Freightman, LSU AgCenter HOP program manager. “By working with health care providers and local retailers, we’re making it easier for families to eat well and feel better.”
Enrollment is simple. Eligible families can self-enroll using a flier from a participating health care provider or community partner. Health care providers serve as key referral sites by confirming eligibility and sharing program materials during appointments or through patient portals.
The program also offers benefits to local food retailers. Grocers and market vendors interested in joining the FreshConnect Retail Network can expand their customer base and support a healthier community with minimal technical effort and dedicated support.
Enrollment for HFPRx is open now and will close June 30. Families are encouraged to enroll early to make the most of the six-month benefit period.
This produce prescription initiative is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP). The HOP program is funded through a cooperative agreement between the AgCenter and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For more information about enrollment in Winn, Morehouse or Claiborne parishes, contact April Temple at apriltemple@agcenter.lsu.edu or 318-435-7551. For enrollment details in Assumption or Terrebonne parishes, contact Makenzie Miller at makenziemiller@agcenter.lsu.edu or 225-578-4565.
The Healthy Families Produce Prescription (HFPRx) program will help families with Medicaid-enrolled children purchase fresh produce from July to December 2025. Photo by Catherine Coalson/LSU AgCenter
