diff --git a/ml/digest-score/app.py b/ml/digest-score/app.py
index 0e83dab9d..8d1000b40 100644
--- a/ml/digest-score/app.py
+++ b/ml/digest-score/app.py
@@ -215,6 +215,8 @@ def batch():
     app.logger.error(f"exception in batch endpoint: {request.get_json()}\n{e}")
     return jsonify({'error': str(e)}), 500
 
+## Run this on startup in both production and development modes
+refresh_data()
+
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-  refresh_data()
   app.run(debug=True, port=5000)
\ No newline at end of file