Challenge The Food is Medicine movement promotes prescribing healthy foods to prevent or treat diet-related conditions, with early studies on produce prescriptions showing health benefits comparable to medications. These programs not only improve clinical outcomes but also address health inequities by targeting food-insecure communities disproportionately affected by chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. Our pilot study in Australia highlighted the promise and acceptability of produce prescriptions for people with type 2 diabetes, but high-quality randomised trial data are needed to confirm their effectiveness and support broader implementation.
Solution This project will test the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of produce prescription in a randomised controlled trial as a novel way of improving the clinical management of people with type 2 diabetes and food insecurity. In addition, we will partner with research end-users to understand the governance and infrastructure required to facilitate uptake of produce prescription into the healthcare system.
Impact This Australian-first study will provide high-quality evidence about an innovative intervention that could support clinical guideline updates for the nutritional management of type 2 diabetes. Through this work, we hope to create a healthcare ‘paradigm shift’ away from an over-reliance on drug-centred models of disease treatment, towards innovative solutions that address the up-stream causes of ill-health for disease prevention.
