Impact of a Pediatric Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program on Food Security and Dietary Patterns Following Two Years of Exposure

OBJECTIVES: In August 2018, a pediatric clinic in Flint, Michigan introduced a program that provided one $15 prescription for fresh fruits and vegetables to all patients (0–18 years of age) at the conclusion of their office visits. Prescriptions were redeemable only for fresh fruits and vegetables at a downtown farmers’ market or a local mobile market. The objective of this study was to examine changes in dietary patterns and food security among a sample of caregiver-child dyads who participated in this fruit and vegetable prescription program for two years. METHODS: This non-controlled longitudinal intervention trial included a sample of caregiver–child dyads who were exposed to the pediatric fruit and vegetable prescription program for two years. A consecutive sample of caregivers whose children were 8–18 years of age at baseline were invited to participate in the study. Dyads separately completed in-person surveys that evaluated food security and dietary behaviors prior to receipt of their first prescription. Dyads completed the identical surveys via a secure digital platform again at approximately 24 months. RESULTS: 104 caregiver-child dyads enrolled in the study and completed baseline and two-year follow-up assessments. At follow-up, most of the children (mean age 14.24 ± 2.4) were African American (66%) and residents of Flint (76%). The majority of caregivers (mean age 41.3 ± 8.9) were female (95%) and African American (69%). Among the 96 children who completed the food screener at baseline and two-year follow-up, significant improvements in mean daily intake of vegetables (p < 0.001), whole grains (p < 0.001), and dairy (p < 0.001) were reported. Improvements in caregiver-reported household food security (p < 0.001) as well as child-reported food security (p = 0.012) were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides evidence to support the long-term effectiveness of pediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programs. FUNDING SOURCES: Michigan Health Endowment Fund.