Dakota Food Rx

Updated April 17, 2025
Professional portrait of Gemma Bastian

Gemma Bastian

Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist

About 1 in every 5 deaths in the U.S. and around the world are caused by diseases that can be linked to poor diets, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Certain cancers, like breast and colorectal cancer

While these diseases can be prevented or managed by following a healthy diet, many people do not have the means to access or afford healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables. Roughly 73,000 South Dakotans (8%) are considered food insecure, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture defines as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.” Food insecurity can impact people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and income levels.

Produce prescription programs (PRx) have been implemented all over the country to help people’s access to fruits and vegetables so they can manage their chronic conditions. Healthcare providers, like doctors, partner with grocery stores, corner stores, farmers markets, food pantries, and other food retailers and distributors so that patients can receive “prescriptions” for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Dakota Food Rx is unique because it is a PRx that allows patients to redeem their “prescriptions” for locally-grown produce. Patients receive shares of community-supported agriculture (CSA) produce boxes weekly throughout the growing season. They also receive nutrition education resources from SDSU Extension to prepare easy, low-cost, nutritious recipes for their families.

How Does Dakota Food Rx Work?

  1. The patient has a visit with a Dakota Food Rx prescriber (like a physician or nurse practitioner).
  2. The Dakota Food Rx prescriber screens the patient for eligibility into the program.
  3. The patient receives a referral from the Dakota Food Rx prescriber that allows them to enroll in the program.
  4. The patient then receives weekly CSA produce boxes from a participating Dakota Food Rx grower.

How Can I Get Involved?

The 2024 Dakota Food Rx program is supported by the South Dakota Community Foundation and will take place in Spearfish, SD. SDSU Extension is currently recruiting South Dakota produce growers who sell via CSA, farmers' markets, or other direct market channels to partner for funding applications for 2025.

If you would like to get involved or learn more about Dakota Food Rx, we encourage you to fill out the form below.

  • Patients: If you live in or near Spearfish, we will connect you with a Dakota Food Rx prescriber. If not, we will try our best to refer you to another PRx in your area.
  • Growers: Filling out our form will give you free access to our informational webinar about Dakota Food Rx and our plans for 2025 and beyond. We will also reach out for a consultation talk to see how we can partner.
  • Healthcare Providers: If you are interested in becoming a Dakota Food Rx prescriber, we will reach out for a consultation talk to outline prescriber expectations and connect you with a Dakota Food Rx grower.

Related Topics

Eating for Health, School and Community Nutrition

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