Headline
Produce prescription programs improved food and vegetable intake, food security, and health status among low-income adults.
Background
A significant number of people in the U.S. do not follow recommended dietary guidelines. The issue is pronounced among populations experiencing food insecurity. Increasingly, health care providers, payers, and policymakers are exploring produce prescription programs, which offer free or discounted foods to eligible individuals, but research on these programs is limited. This multisite study evaluates the effectiveness of produce prescription programs in improving fruit and vegetable consumption, reducing food insecurity, and enhancing health outcomes among low-income communities.
Findings
Children and adult participants were enrolled in programs managed by a nonprofit produce prescription provider. Participants were enrolled if referred to by a health care provider or health center if they were at risk for or reported food insecurity, obesity, or diabetes. Once enrolled, participants received nutrition education and a voucher or debit card to purchase produce. The authors used deidentified program data collected before and after program participation to analyze changes in the outcomes of interest.
Fruit and vegetable consumption among 2,064 adult participants increased from an average of 2.7 to 3.6 cups per day. Hemoglobin A1c levels, measured blood pressure, and body mass index decreased in individuals with reported diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. These differences were also observed among 1817 children aged two to 18.
Policy/Program Takeaways
Produce prescription programs can improve health outcomes in adults with risk factors for and conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Policymakers and payers should consider developing produce prescription programs, including through limited coverage available through Medicare Advantage Plans’ Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill, Medicaid’s Section 1115 and 1915 demonstration waivers, or as health plan benefits.