Evaluation of a Fruit and Vegetable Voucher Program in a Prenatal and Pediatric Primary Care-Based Obesity Prevention Program

Top Things to Know

Providing produce vouchers through healthcare settings increased fruit and vegetable consumption among pregnant women, reinforcing the principle that food-based interventions can serve as effective preventive medicine.

Distributing vouchers early in pregnancy was associated with lower maternal stress, suggesting that timely, food-related financial support can act as a buffer against psychosocial stressors that impact maternal and infant health.

Embedding food access initiatives within trusted healthcare environments not only improves nutrition but also fosters a sense of support and empowerment, aligning with the “Food is Medicine” movement’s goal of treating food access as a core component of health care.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This study evaluated the impact of integrating fruit and vegetable vouchers (Health Bucks) into a prenatal obesity prevention program for Latina women in New York City. Among 176 participants, those who received vouchers showed significantly higher daily intake of fruits and vegetables and reported lower levels of stress postpartum. Redemption of vouchers further enhanced dietary outcomes, while receiving vouchers in the first trimester was linked to both reduced stress and a more favorable perception of the neighborhood food environment. However, the program did not significantly affect household food insecurity. The findings suggest that even modest, targeted financial support can positively influence maternal health behaviors and well-being. These results highlight the potential of combining nutrition incentives with primary care to support healthier pregnancies and early childhood development.