faq

What is the Market Box Produce Prescription Program?

Market Box is a Produce Prescription Program in partnership with Vancouver Clinic and the American Heart Association. It supports local agriculture while increasing food security and reducing the risk of diet-related and chronic illnesses for Vancouver Clinic patients.

Patients with diet-related or chronic illnesses at Vancouver Clinic are screened for food insecurity and enrolled to receive a free weekly box of seasonal produce from local farmers, delivered directly to their door. Each Market Box includes a weekly newsletter featuring farmer stories, recipes, storage tips, and preparation ideas.

Am I eligible? How do I enroll?

You are eligible for the Market Box Produce Prescription Program if you:

Are a patient at Vancouver Clinic,
Have a diet-related and/or chronic illness,
Experience food insecurity, and
Live within 15 miles of downtown Vancouver.

In 2025, we have 75 spaces available. If you believe you are eligible but have not been contacted by Vancouver Clinic, please reach out to your clinician. Eligible patients will receive a code from their clinician to register in our patient portal. If spaces are full, you may be added to the waiting list.

When is the Program available?

The Market Box Produce Prescription Program will run for 35 weeks in 2025, from March 1 to October 25.

What will I receive each week?

Each week, you’ll receive a bag containing 5–7 items of seasonal produce, worth approximately $25. For example, a box might include:

1 bunch of asparagus,
1 pint of strawberries,
1 pint of snap peas,
1 bunch of radishes,
1 bunch of spring onions, and
1 bag of salad greens.

We aim to provide a mix of familiar fruits and vegetables alongside some new and exciting varieties. You’ll also receive a weekly newsletter with recipes, storage tips, and preparation ideas to make seasonal cooking easier than ever!

Where does the produce come from? Is it certified organic?

The fruits and vegetables come directly from Vancouver Farmers Market farmers in Washington and Oregon. We prioritize supporting small and beginning farmers. While some of our farms are certified organic, most utilize organic practices without certification, and a few grow conventionally. The weekly newsletter will include details about which farm each item came from and their growing practices.

How will my produce be delivered?

Your Market Box will be delivered to your home each Saturday afternoon or early evening by our delivery partner, Gathered Harvest—a locally owned grocery delivery company.

Here’s how it works:

On Friday, you’ll receive an email with a 2–3 hour delivery window.
On Saturday, you’ll get a text message when your delivery driver is almost there.

If you know you won’t be home during your delivery window, consider leaving a cooler outside your door to keep your produce fresh.

Can I substitute or change any of the items in my box?

Unfortunately, substitutions or changes are not possible. We strive to include a versatile mix of fruits and vegetables to appeal to a variety of preferences. If there’s something you don’t enjoy, consider sharing it with a friend, neighbor, or family member. Each box comes with recipes and tips to help you make the most of every item, including unfamiliar ones.

This program is best suited for individuals who enjoy trying a variety of foods and are comfortable preparing meals at home. If cooking or exploring new ingredients isn’t your preference, this program might not be the best fit for you.

Can I cancel or change my subscription?

If you can no longer participate in the program, please email us at marketbox@vancouverfarmersmarket.com. We have a waiting list of patients who would love to join.

How is this program funded?

Great question! The goal of this program is to pay our farmers while providing produce to those in need at no cost. It is funded through a combination of grants and donations.

Interested in supporting the program? Contact us at marketbox@vancouverfarmersmarket.com.