Food Policy and Environments

What We Do

A healthy community needs excellent nutrition — so we make every effort to communicate its importance to Marion County residents. Some of what we do:

• Coordinate and execute assessments of the nutrition environment in communities and organizations
• Design and develop educational signage and other print materials explaining healthy eating choices
• Provide technical assistance for developing policies, guidelines and programs that ensure that healthy foods are provided wherever there’s an opportunity
• Promote inclusion of nutrition education in all sorts of community settings and program sites
• Collaborate with various organizations, coalitions, groups and individuals to help communicate the importance of nutrition to the residents of Marion County

Two of our strongest programs are Fresh Bucks and Produce Rx.

Fresh Bucks is a nutrition incentive program for individuals and families using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It’s recognized as Hoosier Works/EBT in Indiana, purchasing fruits and vegetables from local farmers at participating Farmers Markets in Marion County — and retail locations (Safeway Foods, Cleo's Bodega, and Indy Fresh Market) in Marion County. Fresh Bucks is part of the Double Up Indiana Network. Learn more at https://freshbucksindy.org/

The Produce Prescription (Rx) Program is a county-wide Food as Medicine Initiative provided to eligible participants. Produce Rx is a partnership between the public health department, healthcare systems and food retailers, and helps foster healthier eating habits. Its goal is simple: to prevent and manage chronic diseases by improving nutrition security. Produce Rx is a tool for healthcare professionals, encouraging them to refer patients so they can receive nutrition education and financial incentives to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits.