Pediatric produce prescription initiatives in the U.S.: a scoping review

Top Things to Know

Pediatric PRx interventions can effectively address food insecurity and improve diet quality among children.

The review supports the integration of PRx into healthcare settings as part of multi-pronged strategies to combat diet-related diseases.

There is a need for the development of rigorous, high-quality studies to optimize PRx delivery and design, ensuring long-term health benefits for vulnerable pediatric populations.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study reviewed pediatric produce prescription (PRx) interventions in the U.S. healthcare system from January 2000 to September 2023. It found that PRx interventions, which included food vouchers and food boxes/pantries, significantly reduced food insecurity (FI) and increased fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption among children. One study reported a significant reduction in child BMI z-score. Most interventions were deemed feasible, but the review noted a need for more rigorous study designs and validated assessment tools. The study concluded that pediatric PRx interventions have promising potential to improve diet quality and health outcomes.