Dietary Impact of Produce Prescriptions for Patients With Hypertension

Top Things to Know

The participants who completed the Produce Prescription for Hypertension program had specific goals related to increasing produce intake, faced notable financial barriers, had a higher interest in farmers' markets, and exhibited unique food shopping behaviors.

A 86% of participants utilized their produce vouchers at farmers markets, with one-third visiting for the first time, indicating increased access to fresh produce.

Participants showed significant increases in fruit and vegetable consumption by 0.8 serving per day and a decrease in fast food intake, suggesting positive dietary changes associated with the program.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This study evaluated the impact of a produce prescription program over four months on dietary behaviors among food-insecure patients with hypertension at safety net clinics. The produce prescription program participants increase fruit and vegetable consumptions. Participants received vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables, redeemable at local farmers’ markets, to encourage healthier eating habits. While 86% of participants used their vouchers, and many visited a farmers’ market for the first time, fruit and vegetable consumption increased by 0.8 servings per day (p = 0.01), and fast food intake decreased (p = 0.02). The study highlights the potential of clinic-based produce prescription programs to improve food access and dietary habits in low-income, hypertensive populations, while also emphasizing the need to address financial and logistical barriers to healthy eating.