Food as Medicine Programs Feed Hundreds of Families with Local + Organic Seasonal Produce
Moon Valley Farm is a 70 acre certified organic farm and food hub located in Frederick, Maryland. We sell specialty and staple produce all year round to a Community-Supported Agriculture farm box subscription program, to an online farmers market for home delivery, to restaurants in DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland, and to school systems throughout the state.
In recent years, we’ve added another way of distributing our produce – to families living with food insecurities and those at risk of developing chronic illnesses - in collaboration with nonprofit organizations. These programs are often called “Food as Medicine,” “Produce Prescription” or “PRx” - and are based on how what we eat directly impacts our health. Research shows that access to fresh, whole foods can prevent and manage chronic diseases, reduce healthcare costs, and improve overall well-being.
Besides food insecurities, over 60% of US citizens are living with diet-related chronic diseases! Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is PROVEN to mitigate the effects of these diseases if not ERADICATE them entirely. Many residents have intersections of socioeconomic and racial disparities, leaving them especially vulnerable to the development of chronic diseases. Fresh food IS medicine and true nourishment.
One of these programs that we’re collaborating on is spearheaded by the Lindaben Foundation. Over 80% of Title 1 elementary school children in Prince George’s County don’t know where their next meal is coming from – and Annabelle Beavan, founder and President of the foundation – is working hard to change that.
Beavan is passionate about offering the highest quality foods for families that will not just allow them to survive - but be nourished from this food. Each box comes with bilingual guides with recipes, cooking tips, nutritional information and life-skills to encourage the adoption of healthy habits. In 2023-2024, Lindaben Foundation ran a pilot program for a small number of elementary schools and this program has since exploded its initial success. To date for the 2024-2025 school year, Moon Valley Farm has delivered 4,331 boxes for these families and will continue the deliveries through June.
Emma Jagoz says, “this Food as Medicine partnership with Lindaben Foundation is a breath of fresh air -- organizations collaborating to address food insecurity and family nutrition while promoting regional food security through local and organic agriculture. As a mother who started farming to feed high quality food to families in my community - this program truly warms my heart.”
Sign up for a Donation Subscription!
Want to make a difference too? Individuals can sign up for our Donation Subscription program for just $30/month to subsidize one of our farm boxes to people living with food insecurities in Baltimore City through Enoch Pratt’s Free Fridge program.