Feasibility of Home-Delivery and Voucher-Based Produce Prescription Programs Among Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Nutrition Insecurity.
Hailey N Miller, Wura Olawole, Ashauna Lee et al.
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In 30 seconds
This two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial assessed the feasibility of voucher-based and home-delivered produce prescriptions among 48 adults with overweight or obesity experiencing nutrition insecurity at a Baltimore community market. Over 8 weeks, both approaches were paired with behavioral support. Retention was 88%, redemption ranged from 75% to 99%, and satisfaction was 93%. Participants showed improvements in nutrition security, diet, fruit intake, self-efficacy, and systolic blood pressure; systolic blood pressure changed by -4.0 mm Hg. The authors concluded that both delivery mechanisms were feasible, while larger studies are needed to establish effectiveness.
Key findings
- Retention was 88%, produce prescription redemption ranged from 75% to 99%, and satisfaction was 93%.
- Nutrition security improved (+0.5, r = 0.87), alongside diet (+3.0, r = 0.50) and fruit intake (+0.50, r = 0.64).
- Self-efficacy improved (+3.0, r = 0.57), and systolic blood pressure changed by -4.0 mm Hg (r = -0.77).
- Engagement in behavioral support varied between participants.
Why it matters
Produce prescriptions may offer a practical way to connect adults experiencing nutrition insecurity with fruits and vegetables. High retention, redemption, and satisfaction support the feasibility of both delivery approaches in this pilot. The observed changes in diet-related measures and blood pressure are encouraging, but feasibility findings and a pilot design do not establish that either approach is effective.
What to keep in mind
This was a pilot trial with 48 participants and an 8-week intervention; the abstract notes that larger studies are needed to establish effectiveness.