Maternal Produce Prescription Program (MP3)

The Maternal Produce Prescription Program (MP3) is a new discretionary grant initiative managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This grant opportunity is aimed at addressing the health disparities faced by maternal populations at risk of poor health outcomes, particularly those related to nutrition insecurity. HRSA, through its Maternal and Child Health Bureau, is responsible for administering a wide range of health-focused programs targeting underserved populations across the United States, with MP3 representing a targeted approach to improve maternal health through nutrition-based interventions. The primary objective of MP3 is to fund community-based initiatives that design and implement produce prescription programs specifically for maternal populations. These programs are expected to link participants with fresh fruits and vegetables while integrating nutrition education as a core component. By addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy dietary behaviors, HRSA intends to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and other adverse health conditions that disproportionately affect pregnant and postpartum individuals with limited access to nutritious food. The initiative represents a growing recognition within public health frameworks of the role that food plays as medicine and a preventive healthcare tool. The program is forecasted to provide approximately $13 million in total program funding, with an anticipated 26 grants to be awarded. The expected maximum funding for any single award is $13 million, although the minimum funding level is not specified in the available forecast. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants, which lowers the barrier for participation by smaller community organizations or those with limited financial capacity. This approach aligns with HRSA’s goal of expanding equitable access to federal resources for historically underserved and marginalized groups. Eligible applicants for MP3 include a wide array of public and private organizations. These range from city, county, and state governments, to public and private institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments and organizations (both federally recognized and not), special district governments, independent school districts, and nonprofit organizations with or without IRS 501(c)(3) status. Small businesses and other for-profit organizations, excluding large corporations, are also eligible to apply. This expansive eligibility is designed to foster collaboration across sectors and leverage the strengths of diverse stakeholders in community health. Applications are anticipated to open on April 15, 2026, with a deadline of May 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Grants will be awarded by August 30, 2026, and projects are expected to begin by September 30, 2026. While the grant is listed as a forecasted opportunity, and thus still subject to change, applicants are encouraged to prepare based on the provided timeline and stay updated via Grants.gov or HRSA communications. As of now, no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers have been indicated. Application submission is expected to occur electronically, adhering to HRSA's standard protocols. Questions about the program can be directed to the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, which is listed as the main point of contact. Their office can be reached via phone at 301-443-2170. No email or specific contact person was indicated in the forecast notice. Furthermore, at this stage, no additional supporting documents or downloadable PDFs such as a full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) have been made publicly available. Applicants are advised to monitor the forecasted grant listing closely for updates and the eventual publication of the full application package.