Effect of a Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program on Children's Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

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Each additional clinical visit led to a significant increase in fruit and vegetable intake.

The increase in consumption was equally divided between fruits and vegetables.

Integrating FIM programs in pediatric healthcare settings can improved children's dietary behaviors.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study evaluated the impact of a fruit and vegetable prescription program on children’s dietary behaviors at federally qualified health centers. Conducted over 4-6 months with 883 children, the program found a dose-propensity adjusted increase of 0.32 cups per day in fruit and vegetable consumption for each additional clinical visit. The increase was equally attributed to both fruit and vegetable consumption. The study suggests that such programs can improve dietary behaviors among children in low-income households.