A Pilot Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program Improves Local Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Nutrition Knowledge, and Food Purchasing Practices
Top Things to Know
This pilot fruit and vegetable prescription program (FVRx) provided monthly produce prescriptions redeemable at a local farmers market, combined with culturally tailored nutrition education and health screenings over six months. Additionally, a community-based participant coordinator helped facilitate transportation and engagement, ensuring accessibility for participants.
The FVRx group significantly increased fruit and vegetable intake by 0.81 servings/day (p = 0.02), while the control group showed no improvement. Farmers market shopping increased significantly, with FVRx participants purchasing 75% of their produce at the market, compared to only 6.3% at baseline (p = 0.001) while the program reduced processed food purchases and frequency of eating out (p = 0.01).
Transportation assistance and peer-led nutrition education improved participation and engagement, supporting the feasibility of community-clinic partnerships for FVRx implementation.
Summary of Conclusion/Findings
The pilot FVRx program successfully increased fruit and vegetable intake, improved nutrition knowledge, and encouraged healthier food purchasing behaviors among low-income adults with diet-related chronic diseases. While the small sample size and self-reported dietary data were limitations, the study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating produce prescriptions, nutrition education, and healthcare support in a community-clinic partnership model.