Prevention Produce: Integrating Medical Student Mentorship into a Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program for At-Risk Patients

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The Prevention Produce program was a four-week intervention integrated fruit and vegetable prescriptions (FVRx), medical student mentorship, and structured nutrition education sessions at local farmers markets for patients at risk of chronic disease with high food-insecurity.

After the program, daily fruit consumption increased from 37.5% to 62.5%, and weekly vegetable consumption increased from 62.5% to 87.5%. Patients reported that one-on-one mentorship improved their confidence in cooking, meal planning, and making healthier food choices. Medical students found the program professionally valuable, gaining early patient interaction experience and nutrition education skills.

While the program led to lasting dietary behavior changes, participants cited affordability as a major barrier to maintaining these habits after the program ended.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The Prevention Produce program successfully increased produce consumption, improved perceptions of healthy eating, and provided valuable mentorship experiences for medical students. However, long-term food affordability remains a challenge, emphasizing the need for sustained financial support and expanded nutrition assistance programs to ensure continued dietary improvements in food-insecure communities.