Produce prescription programs are an increasingly common Food is Medicine (FIM) intervention, with over 100 programs launched in US healthcare systems over the past decade. Mounting evidence from these programs suggests health-related benefits, including reductions in household food insecurity, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and improvements in clinical outcomes such as diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and body mass index.
Pharmacies routinely engage in vital screening and referral services, including monitoring blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and administering vaccinations, among other patient care services. However, the community pharmacy setting has remained a largely underutilized and understudied platform for advancing FIM. Historically, FIM interventions have been designed and delivered through hospitals, medical clinics, or community non-profit organizations. The next phase of FIM efforts involves expanding screening and referral for such programs to community pharmacies, including those affiliated or co-located with grocery stores. Community Pharmacy Produce Prescriptions study intervention will be delivered via a Produce Prescription (PRx) electronic benefit card. Each month, participants will receive a fixed amount of funds on the PRx card to purchase fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, nut butters, seeds, plant-based oils, seafood, and yogurts from participating grocery stores. These funds will be provided after the initial baseline in-person visit is completed. The card will be reloaded monthly for a period of 6 months.
