Characteristics of the people and communities served by GusNip produce prescriptions: United States, 2020-2024

Objectives: To examine enrollment in Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) produce prescriptions and identify opportunities to expand their reach. Methods. We conducted descriptive analyses of cross-sectional baseline surveys of 21 635 participants (living in the Southern, West, North Central, or Northeast region of the United States) in GusNIP produce prescriptions between 2020 and 2024. We applied geographic information system mapping and inferential statistics to fruit and vegetable intake data. Results. At enrollment, 43.2% of participants were aged 45 to 65 years, 77% were women, 32.7% were Hispanic, 24.4% were non-Hispanic Black/African American, and 26.2% were non-Hispanic White. Mean fruit and vegetable intake was 2.39 cups (SD = 0.78) daily, varying by region. Approximately two thirds of participants reported food insecurity (67.2%). Conclusions. GusNIP produce prescriptions are reaching intended communities, including people with low fruit and vegetable intake, chronic disease risk, and food insecurity. Opportunities exist to broaden reach. Public Health Implications. GusNIP produce prescriptions offer a national lens on Farm Bill-funded policy in action. As "food is medicine" interventions, including GusNIP produce prescriptions, evolve, it is important to understand who enrolls, who is not yet represented, and who could benefit most by extending reach to individuals and their communities.