A Pilot Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program Improves Local Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Nutrition Knowledge, and Food Purchasing Practices

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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.