PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

While this study remains ongoing, preliminary findings among participants reflect great potential for similar interventions on diet-related health, associated healthcare costs, and overall food security.
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A Holistic Approach to Food as Medicine

We believe that healthy food is a catalyst for health outcomes, but a variety of barriers - such as economic or geographic - stand in the way. Through our Produce Prescription Program, we joined forces with our partners to study this systematically. The key goals of this project were to impact participants' health by:

  • Improve diet-related health of participants, particularly blood pressure
  • Increase participant knowledge of the impact of diet on health and disease management
  • Alleviate food insecurity among participants while increasing healthy produce consumption
  • Reduce healthcare costs for participants based on improved nutrition and care

Target Audience

Alivio Medical Center care teams work directly with patients and with Medical Home Network's advanced health data platform to identify participants through a comprehensive set of eligibility criteria:

  • Medical Need: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension and low adherence to their prescribed medications.
  • Income Status: Individuals from low-income households who suffer from or are at risk for diet-related conditions and may be experiencing food insecurity.
  • Eligibility for Medical Assistance: Patients who qualify for assistance under Title XIX of the Social Security Act.

Participant Experience

Once enrolled, participants receive the support they need to transform their health:

  • Weekly Fresh Produce Deliveries: Top Box Foods delivers 15–18 pounds of high-quality, seasonal fruits and vegetables to participants' homes. Produce is sourced with cultural preferences and medical needs in mind and includes produce sourced from local Illinois farmers.
  • One-on-One Health Coaching: Participants work closely with Alivio dietitians and health coaches trained in the American Heart Association’s DASH diet and other evidence-based nutritional guidance.
  • In-Depth Health Education: Through virtual and in-person visits, participants gain the knowledge and skills to better manage their hypertension and make long-term changes.
  • Ongoing Monitoring and Support: Health coaches provide up to three personalized check-ins per month, assessing patient progress, offering encouragement, and tailoring support.

Looking Ahead

The Produce Prescription Program is more than food delivery—it’s a blueprint for how thoughtful partnerships can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Our early results are promising, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and expanding the reach of similar interventions in the future.

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