Real-world implementation of a clinic-community Food is Medicine intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes

Top Things to Know

Providing diabetes-appropriate foods through trusted community channels led to meaningful reductions in HbA1c, reinforcing that food can be a therapeutic tool.

By leveraging FQHCs and local food banks, the intervention bypassed traditional reimbursement barriers and reached patients who might otherwise be excluded.

Despite low participation in formal education sessions, high voucher redemption correlated with improved outcomes, suggesting that consistent access to healthy food can drive behavior change.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This study evaluated a clinic-community FIM intervention for Latino patients with type 2 diabetes in rural California. Participants received weekly food vouchers redeemable at a local food bank, which provided culturally appropriate, diabetes-friendly foods. Over the course of the intervention, patients showed a statistically and clinically significant reduction in HbA1c levels (−0.34%, p = 0.008), with 38% achieving a reduction of 0.5% or more. No significant changes were observed in BMI or blood pressure. Despite low attendance at health education sessions, voucher redemption and clinical follow-up rates were high, indicating strong engagement. The study highlights the potential of clinic-community partnerships to deliver scalable, culturally tailored nutrition interventions that improve diabetes outcomes in underserved populations.