A Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program

Launched by MILTON S. HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER · Oct 24, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a program that gives patients with type 2 diabetes vouchers to buy fruits and vegetables at local stores. The goal is to see if this "Fruit and Vegetable Prescription" (F&V Rx) program can help patients eat healthier, manage their diabetes better, and improve their blood sugar levels. Researchers are particularly interested in how this program affects education about diabetes and whether patients keep using the program over time.

To participate in this trial, you need to be a patient at Penn State Health St. Joe's Medical Center, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least six months, and have a blood sugar level that shows your diabetes is not well controlled (an A1c level of 7% or higher). You should also be considered low income, which can mean you receive food assistance or are uninsured. Participants will need to provide a blood sample and be comfortable communicating in English or Spanish. If you join, you can expect support in learning how to better manage your diabetes and access fresh fruits and vegetables to improve your diet.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patient at Penn State Health St. Joe's Medical Center
• • Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus greater than or equal to six months
• • A1c level is greater than or equal to 7% (53 mmol/mol)
• • Low income defined as enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is uninsured or have Medicaid, or identifying as food insecure based on USDA criteria.
• • Ability to give a blood sample
• • Willing to respond to contacts from study staff over the study period
• • Willing and able to give informed consent
• • Can read and write in English or Spanish
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus less than six months
• • Patients who have previously participated in the Veggie Rx program in the past year
• • Patients who have attended any diabetes self-management education and support (DSME/S) sessions in the past year
• • Women who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant during the study period
• • Any uncontrolled mental illness or substance abuse, or inpatient treatment for these in the past six months
• • Any unstable or significant medical condition in the past 3 months (e.g. recent heart attack, stroke, DVT)
• • A1c level is less than 7%
• • Does not speak English or Spanish
• • Inability to provide informed consent
• • Unable to give a blood sample