Prescribing Fruits and Vegetables Improves Health and Reduces Food Insecurity

A study published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation found that "prescribing" fruits and vegetables to adults and children through produce prescription programs is associated with increased consumption of these foods and multiple health benefits. Participants in the programs, which provide electronic cards or vouchers for free or discounted produce, saw improvements in body mass index, blood sugar, blood pressure levels, and a decrease in food insecurity. The study suggests that produce prescriptions could be an important tool for improving health, but further research is needed to confirm the benefits.