Predictors of Voucher Redemption in Produce Prescription Programs in a Primarily Low-Income Population With Type 2 Diabetes

Top Things to Know

Transportation remains a critical implementation factor influencing PRx utilization.

Culinary knowledge and food-preparation confidence may be important complementary supports to voucher-based interventions.

Intent-to-treat analyses may provide a more realistic assessment of real-world PRx program performance.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This single-arm produce prescription (PRx) study examined predictors of voucher redemption among 154 primarily low-income Hispanic/Latino adults with type 2 diabetes. Using an intent-to-treat approach, the overall voucher redemption rate was 65.8%, substantially lower than the 84.3% rate observed when nonusers were excluded, highlighting the importance of accounting for attrition. Access to transportation was strongly associated with higher redemption, while limited knowledge of vegetable and fruit preparation was associated with lower redemption. Most participants shared purchased produce with other household members, suggesting broader household reach than individual-level program enrollment would indicate. The findings suggest that financial incentives alone may be insufficient to maximize engagement and that practical barriers meaningfully influence program utilization.