Food as medicine: Researchers tout health benefits of fruit and vegetable prescriptions

30 Aug 2023 — By participating in produce prescription programs, people at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases increased their fruit and vegetable consumption and improved their body mass index (BMI), blood sugar and blood pressure levels while decreasing food insecurity. Researchers assessed the health outcomes by pooling data from nine such programs across the US. 

Produce prescription programs enable doctors to prescribe fruits and vegetables in addition to medications. Patients commonly receive an electronic card or voucher to access free or discounted produce at grocery retail and farmer’s markets. These programs typically enroll food-insecure households.