‘Produce Prescription’: aiming to improve health among people with type 2 diabetes

Challenge

Food insecurity remains a significant issue in Australia and globally, disproportionately affecting people with chronic conditions such as type 2 and gestational diabetes. While often assumed to mean hunger, food insecurity also includes limited access to healthy foods, forcing people to rely on refined grains, processed foods or reduced food quantities. This contributes to poor nutrition, worsening health outcomes and an increased strain on the healthcare system, particularly concerning given that 125 Australians are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every day. Despite the clear link between diet and disease, access to fresh produce remains limited for many, with 91% of Australians not eating enough vegetables and 55% not eating enough fruit*.

Solution

The George Institute for Global Health, through PhD student and dietitian Kimberley Glover and Dr Megan Gow, is trialling ‘Produce Prescription’ as part of a broader ‘Food is medicine’ approach. This intervention provides people with fresh fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and nuts or seeds, supplied by partners such as Harris Farm Markets and Box Divvy, to support better management of diet-related conditions. The program is being trialled in collaboration with hospitals including RPA, Canterbury, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Nepean, targeting 224 participants with type 2 diabetes. Supported by Future Food Systems and guided by a translational advisory group comprising government, NGOs, clinicians, consumer advisors and health organisations, the project is the first of its kind in Australia to test produce prescription in a real-world setting.

Impact

The trial has already generated strong hospital and participant engagement, with rapid recruitment reflecting both need and interest. By enabling access to healthier foods, the program is expected to improve health outcomes, reduce pressure on hospitals and cut food waste by directing more produce into households that need it. Beyond individual benefits, the initiative has potential to strengthen the food and beverage sector and reshape the food system. The findings will be used to publish research, develop policy briefs and guide the scaling up of produce prescriptions both nationally and internationally. The ultimate goal is to embed produce prescription into the Australian healthcare system, creating a sustainable, preventative approach to managing diet-related disease.

Prospects

Trial outcomes, expected mid-2026, will look provide the first Australian evidence on the effectiveness of produce prescription. In the long term, the project could help reshape health and food systems by positioning fresh produce as a cornerstone of preventative care.

*ABS 2022 NHS – aged 18 in inner regional areas