The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program Produce Prescription Program will receive a boost of about $8 million.

In an Aug. 10 USDA news release, Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, under secretary for research, education and economics and USDA chief scientist, reported the department continues to make progress in improving the country’s food system. The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will administer the funding as part of the American Rescue Plan Initiatives.

“USDA continues to make strides in transforming our nation’s food system," Jacobs-Young said in the news release. “Through this investment, USDA is making more nutritious food available to more people at more affordable prices. The GusNIP Produce Prescription program demonstrates the invaluable impact that access to fresh fruits and vegetables has on communities in need.”

According to the release, the program provides low-income individuals and families a range of incentives to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits for a healthier diet. Moreover, the USDA noted the initiatives also help boost the knowledge of health and nutrition among families involved in the program.

The program also provides data that can help drive the development of best practices by brining everyone involved in the health care and food systems to the same table, the release reported.