Federal Grant to Fund New Maternal Produce Program in Shenandoah Valley
James Madison University (JMU) and the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) have announced the upcoming Central Shenandoah Maternal Produce Prescription Program, backed by a $1.97 million federal grant. This initiative, set to launch in 2027 across the Shenandoah Valley, aims…
Harrisonburg, VA, November 4, 2026 — James Madison University (JMU) and the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) are set to launch a new initiative aimed at enhancing maternal and infant health within the Shenandoah Valley. The program, officially named the Central Shenandoah Maternal Produce Prescription Program, has secured significant federal funding to address identified healthcare gaps in the region.
The initiative is backed by a federal grant totaling $1.97 million. This funding will support the program’s operations and its objectives, which are centered on improving nutritional access and health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women.
Scheduled to commence in 2027, the Central Shenandoah Maternal Produce Prescription Program will operate across the entirety of the Shenandoah Valley. The core components of the program include providing eligible participants with monthly produce vouchers. These vouchers are intended to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, a key factor in healthy pregnancies and postpartum recovery.
In addition to nutritional support through produce vouchers, the program will also incorporate comprehensive nutritional education for participants. Medical care coordination is another significant pillar of the initiative, aiming to ensure that women receive integrated and timely healthcare services throughout their pregnancy and the postpartum period. This multi-faceted approach is designed to create a more supportive and healthier environment for mothers and their infants.
The establishment of this program represents a collaborative effort between JMU and CSHD to proactively address specific health needs identified within the Shenandoah Valley community. The $1.97 million federal grant will enable these organizations to implement these crucial services starting in 2027, with the goal of fostering long-term improvements in maternal and infant well-being.
Story summarized from the original created by BriAsia Kelley on www.whsv.com, see more information here.
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