SDSU Extension launches Dakota Food Rx prescription program

SDSU extension
| Farm forum

SDSU Extension launches Dakota Food Rx, a produce prescription program in Sturgis and Spearfish.

Dakota Food Rx, supported by the South Dakota Community Foundation, allows eligible patients to receive “prescriptions” from participating healthcare providers. They are not technical prescriptions, they can be exchanged for boxes of fresh, locally grown produce from farms participating in Community Supported Agriculture Shares.

Patients in the Sturgis and Spearfish area who are interested in receiving a Dakota Food Rx prescription can fill out a form on the Dakota Food Rx program page.

SDSU Extension is recruiting South Dakota farmers by 2025 to sell their produce through community supported agriculture, farmers markets or other direct market channels. For more information, visit the SDSU Extension program website.

Geb Bastian, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist, said vegetable prescription programs have been implemented across the U.S. to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Dakota Food Rx is unique because of its focus on providing local products.

“I am excited about Dakota Food Rx because it will enable patients struggling with food insecurity to receive fresh, locally grown produce that can help manage diet-related chronic conditions,” Bastian said. “Healthy food is so expensive these days. This program allows people to afford fresh, healthy food while supporting our local growers.”

About 1 in 5 deaths in the U.S. and around the world are caused by diseases that may be related to poor nutrition, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, such as breast and colorectal cancer. Many people do not have access to or cannot afford healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to help control or prevent such diseases.

About 73,000 South Dakotans are considered food insecure, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture defines as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for everyone in a household to lead an active, healthy life.” Food insecurity can impact people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and income levels.

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