On May 5, the Springfield Prescription Produce Collaborative gave a presentation at Baystate Brightwood Health Center in Springfield on health-related outcomes for program participants. Since 2022, Wellspring has been the lead agency for this USDA-funded “food as medicine” program, in partnership with the UMass Amherst Center for Research on Families and Baystate Health’s three Springfield health centers served by Go Fresh. Through 2025, the program provided $40-$80 monthly vouchers for produce for 126 people with diet-related diseases and tracked their health outcomes. The program also provided nutrition classes for participants.

Participants were surveyed and asked questions about their view of the program:

About 96% of the recipients were satisfied with the program.

86.5% of the participants agreed that the program provided opportunities to build new social connections.

75% answered that they have talked to friends or family about eating fruits and vegetables.

96% answered that as a result of participating in the program, they’ve been able to make changes to improve their health, like eating healthy and exercising.

Here are some quotes from participants about their thoughts on this program:

“I use it (the vouchers) whenever the produce truck come, I use it every chance I get”

“I was almost weighing 300 pounds, now I weigh 231.”

“I introduced my kids to a lot more fruits and vegetables because of the orientation with the HIP and the food and even my younger daughter, that she eats a lot of fruits and vegetables. She was able to come in with me and also purchase.”

According to the UMass Amherst Center for Research on Families, “The findings showed that prescription produce combined with education and community partnerships can meaningfully reduce food insecurity, improve diet, and support health-promoting behaviors. Integration into existing systems and leveraging HIP dollars enhanced sustainability. Maintaining momentum will require continued local leadership and funding.”