By Andi Anderson
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced an investment of $41.5 million to support 38 projects through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, also known as GusNIP.
This funding includes $36.3 million for 27 Nutrition Incentive Program projects and $5.2 million for 11 Produce Prescription Program projects.
GusNIP includes three competitive grant programs that support projects designed to increase fruit and vegetable purchases among income-eligible consumers.
The goal is to improve access to healthy foods, strengthen nutrition education, and connect communities with programs that support healthier lifestyles. These projects also build partnerships between food systems and healthcare providers.
Nutrition Incentive Program projects focus on helping consumers purchase more fruits and vegetables by offering incentives at the point of sale.
These incentives are available to participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program across all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Support also extends to income-eligible participants in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Marianas Islands.
Produce Prescription Program projects are designed to evaluate the impact of fruit and vegetable prescriptions on participants’ health and food access.
These programs help increase consumption of fresh produce, reduce food insecurity, and lower healthcare usage and costs. They also provide educational opportunities related to healthy eating and nutrition.
New 2025 Nutrition Incentive awardees include South Dakota State University, Auburn University, the Indiana Department of Health, the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation, Market Umbrella, and others.
Supplemental awardees include Iowa's Healthiest Initiative, Hunger Free Oklahoma, Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, and University of California San Diego.
The 2025 Produce Prescription Program awardees include organizations such as the Arizona Veterans Research and Education Foundation, The Food Trust, Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, Children’s Hospital Corporation, and the County of Alameda Public Health Department.
These investments will help communities expand access to fruits and vegetables, improve health outcomes, and strengthen food systems nationwide. More information is available through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Ohio, Government & Policy