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NYS FAM Research
Resource Guide

Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Obesity Development in Canadian Children

This cohort study examines the relationship between ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption and obesity development in Canadian preschoolers. The study found that UPFs accounted for approximately 45% of daily energy intake among three-year-old children, with higher consumption linked to increased body fat and a greater risk of overweight or obesity by age five, particularly among boys. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health policies and parental guidance to reduce UPF intake during early childhood, aiming to support healthier growth trajectories.

Chen, Z.H., Mousavi, S., Mandhane, P.J., et al. (2025, January 31). Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Obesity Development in Canadian Children. JAMA Netw Open. 8(1):e2457341. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.57341

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Food as Medicine Research

2025

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More on Food as Medicine: Critical Need for Effective Interventions

This article underscores the vital connection between nutrition and chronic disease management, particularly diabetes. It references two studies: one from China revealing that healthcare providers often feel unprepared to discuss nutrition with patients, and another U.S.-based randomized controlled trial where medically tailored meals did not significantly improve clinical outcomes despite high adherence. The authors emphasize that while the concept of "food as medicine" is longstanding, effective implementation requires addressing barriers such as provider education, patient awareness, and systemic challenges. They advocate for more rigorous, context-sensitive interventions to enhance the efficacy of nutrition-based healthcare strategies.

Elnicki, D.M., Lopez, L., Conigliaro, J. (2025, March 17). More on Food as Medicine: Critical Need for Effective Interventions. Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM). 40, 1699–1700:e25094698. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-025-09469-8

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Food as Medicine Research

2025

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Impact of Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Programs on Food Insecurity, Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, and Health Outcomes: A Community Guide Systematic Review

This article presents a systematic review assessing the effectiveness of fruit and vegetable incentive (FVI) programs among low-income populations. Analyzing 30 studies published through February 2023, the review found that FVI programs significantly reduced household food insecurity in 13 out of 14 data points from 12 studies. Additionally, 21 out of 29 data points from 23 studies indicated increased fruit and vegetable consumption. Programs targeting individuals with diet-related health conditions also demonstrated improvements in blood glucose levels, with a median reduction of 0.64 percentage points. However, the review noted minimal effects on blood pressure and no significant impact on adult body mass index.

Stein, R., et al. (2025, March). Impact of Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Programs on Food Insecurity, Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, and Health Outcomes: A Community Guide Systematic Review. Center For Health Care Strategies. https://bettercareplaybook.org/resource-center-item/impact-of-fruit-and-vegetable-incentive-programs-on-food-insecurity-fruit-and-vegetable-consumption-and-health-outcomes-a-community-guide-systematic-review/

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Food as Medicine Research

2025

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HIV/AIDS, Food & Nutrition Service Needs Fact Sheet

This Fact Sheet from God's Love We Deliver summarizes findings on food and nutrition service needs among individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The fact sheet highlights the importance of addressing food insecurity and providing tailored nutrition services to improve health outcomes in this population. It emphasizes the role of medically tailored meal programs in enhancing medication adherence, reducing hospitalizations, and supporting overall well-being for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Aidala, A. & Yomogida, M., et al. (2011, October). Fact Sheet: HIV/AIDS, Food & Nutrition Service Needs. CHAIN Brief Report 2011-15, Mailman School of Public Health - Columbia University. https://www.glwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CHAIN-Factsheet1.pdf

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Food as Medicine Research

2011

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Who Needs Food & Nutrition Services and Where Do They Go for Help?

This fact sheet examines the need for food and nutrition services among individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their utilization patterns. The fact sheet highlights that a significant portion of this population experiences food insecurity, leading to poorer health outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of providing access to food and nutrition services to improve health and well-being among those affected by HIV/AIDS. The fact sheet also discusses the role of community-based organizations in delivering these essential services.

Aidala, A. & Yomogida, M., et al. (2013, August). Fact Sheet 2: Who Needs Food & Nutrition Services & Where Do They Go for Help? CHAIN Brief Report 2012-3, Mailman School of Public Health - Columbia University. https://www.glwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CHAIN-Factsheet2.pdf

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Food as Medicine Research

2013

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Food and Nutrition Services, HIV Medical Care, and Health Outcomes 

This fact sheet examines the impact of food and nutrition services on HIV medical care and health outcomes. The fact sheet highlights that individuals living with HIV/AIDS who receive medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling are more likely to adhere to their medication regimens and maintain regular medical appointments. These services contribute to improved health outcomes, including better management of HIV, reduced hospitalizations, and enhanced overall well-being. The findings underscore the critical role of integrating food and nutrition services into comprehensive care plans for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Aidala, A. & Yomogida, M., et al. (2013). Fact Sheet 3: Food & Nutrition Services, and Health Outcomes. CHAIN Brief Report 2012-3, Mailman School of Public Health - Columbia University. https://www.glwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CHAIN-Factsheet2.pdf

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Food as Medicine Research

2013

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​​Association of National Expansion of Insurance Coverage of Medically Tailored Meals With Estimated Hospitalizations and Health Care Expenditures in the US

This article is an economic evaluation of Medically Tailored Meals. The study estimates that providing medically tailored meals (MTMs) to eligible patients with diet-sensitive conditions and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living could potentially avert approximately 1.6 million hospitalizations and save $13.6 billion in health care expenditures annually. Over a 10-year period, the implementation of MTMs is projected to result in net savings of $185.1 billion, highlighting the potential cost-effectiveness of integrating MTMs into health insurance coverage. These findings support the consideration of MTM coverage expansion to improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs.

Hager K, Cudhea FP, Wong JB, et al. (2022). Association of National Expansion of Insurance Coverage of Medically Tailored Meals With Estimated Hospitalizations and Health Care Expenditures in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 5(10):e2236898. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.36898

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Food as Medicine Research

2022

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The Impact of Medically Tailored Meals

This report by Community Servings and Dr. Seth Berkowitz examines how providing medically tailored meals (MTMs) to individuals with severe chronic illnesses affects healthcare utilization and costs. The study compared two programs: Community Servings' MTM program, offering meals customized to medical needs at an average monthly cost of $350 per person, and a non-tailored meal (NTM) program, similar to Meals on Wheels, costing $146 per person monthly. Findings indicated that participants in the MTM program experienced fewer hospitalizations and lower overall medical expenses compared to those receiving non-tailored meals or no meal services, suggesting that MTMs can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Berkowitz, S., MD MPH, Waters, D.B. (2018). The Impact of Medically Tailored Meals: an innovative model for reducing healthcare costs and improving health. Community Servings: Food Heals. https://www.servings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/MTM_Community-Servings-Final_Web-Friendly.pdf

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Food as Medicine Research

2018

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Evaluating Impact of the Food is Medicine Approach on Health

The project "Evaluating Impact of the Food is Medicine Approach on Health" assessed the effects of Medically Tailored Meals (MTM) on healthcare outcomes and costs among severely ill, nutritionally vulnerable adults. The study found that participants receiving MTM experienced a 16% reduction in monthly healthcare expenses compared to a matched control group, with notable decreases in hospitalizations and nursing home admissions. These findings suggest that integrating MTM programs can lead to significant health improvements and cost savings, informing policy and funding decisions related to healthcare services for high-need populations.

University of California San Francisco. (2018). Evidence for Action: Evaluating Impact of the Food as Medicine Approach on Health. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. https://evidenceforaction.org/grant/evaluating-impact-food-medicine-approach-health

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Food as Medicine Research

2018

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Association Between Receipt of a Medically Tailored Meal Program and Health Care Use

This study examines the effects of Medically Tailored Meals (MTM) on healthcare utilization and costs among individuals with severe chronic illnesses. The findings indicated that receiving MTM was associated with a 49% reduction in inpatient admissions, a 72% decrease in skilled nursing facility admissions, and a 16% overall reduction in healthcare expenses. These results suggest that integrating MTM programs can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes and cost savings for patients with complex health needs.

Berkowitz, S.A., Terranova, J., Randall, L., Cranston, K., Waters, D.B., Hsu, J. (2019). Association Between Receipt of a Medically Tailored Meal Program and Health Care Use. JAMA Intern Med. 179(6):786–793. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.0198

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Food as Medicine Research

2019

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Health Outcomes Reported by Healthcare Providers and Clients of a Community-Based Medically Tailored Meal Program

This source is an article about health outcomes related to a community-based medically tailored meal (MTM) program. It reports that participants in the program experienced improvements in malnutrition risk, blood pressure, and diabetes management over time. The study utilized client and healthcare provider-reported data to assess changes in health outcomes for those receiving MTM services. The results suggest that MTM interventions may positively impact health, particularly for individuals with diet-related diseases.

Sautter, J.M., Henstenburg, J.A., Crafford, A.G. et al. (2024). Health outcomes reported by healthcare providers and clients of a community-based medically tailored meal program. BMC Nutr. 10(147). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-024-00955-6

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Food as Medicine Research

2024

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An Outcome Evaluation of a Medically Tailored Meal Intervention for Older Adults with Diabetes

Survey data was collected on 50 older adults living in Solano County, a county effected by high chronic illness rates such as Type 2 diabetes (T2D). To help manage their condition and improve symptoms study participants received medically tailored meals (MTM), a weekly grocery bag, exercise classes, and health information and education. In post-survey data collection participants reported improved health factors related to T2D.

Rodriguez de Lisenko, N., Kiring, D., Scott, M., Scheuer, T., & Tobiasson , W. (2024). An Outcome Evaluation of a Medically Tailored Meal Intervention for Older Adults with Diabetes. Journal of Trauma-Informed Community Health, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: An Open Access Publication, 2(2), 11–35. https://doi.org/10.70434/j-tich.v2i2.23

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Food as Medicine Research

2024

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Providing medically tailored groceries and food resource coaching through the charitable food system to patients of a safety-net clinic in Dallas, Texas: a randomized controlled trial protocol

This study investigates the impact of medically tailored groceries (MTGs) and food resource coaching in a food pantry setting for patients with chronic, diet-related diseases and food insecurity. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: usual pantry services, MTGs, or MTGs with food resource coaching. The study assessed outcomes like food security, diet quality, and well-being through both quantitative measures and qualitative interviews.

Albin J, Leonard T, Wong W, et al. (2025). Providing medically tailored groceries and food resource coaching through the charitable food system to patients of a safety-net clinic in Dallas, Texas: a randomized controlled trial protocol. BMJ Open. 15(1). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-096122

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Food as Medicine Research

2024

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Impact of Medically Tailored Meals on Clinical Outcomes Among Low-Income Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Randomized Trial

This article reports on a pilot randomized controlled trial that tested the impact of medically tailored meals (MTM) and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for adults with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and low income. The intervention aimed to improve clinical outcomes such as glycemic control (A1c), diet quality, food insecurity, and overall well-being. Although the intervention showed good participation and uptake, it did not result in significant clinical improvements over usual care. The study highlights the potential of MTM and MNT but suggests the need for more integrated and comprehensive approaches to achieve clinical benefits.

Clark, J.M., Maw, M.T.T., Pettway, K. et al. (2025). Impact of Medically Tailored Meals on Clinical Outcomes Among Low-Income Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Randomized Trial. J GEN INTERN MED. 40, 1711–1719. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-024-09248-x

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Food as Medicine Research

2024

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Medically Tailored Meals in Heart Failure: A Systematic Review of the Literature, 2013-2023

This systematic review examined six studies on the impact of medically tailored meals (MTMs) for heart failure (HF) patients. Findings suggested that sodium-restricted MTMs can reduce the risk of rehospitalization, while energy-restricted MTMs may improve quality of life, promote weight loss, and enhance fitness for patients with heart failure and obesity. However, more research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these benefits and explore the underlying mechanisms of MTM interventions.

McIntosh, N. PhD, Billingsley, H. PhD, Hummel, S.L. MD, Mills, W.L. PhD. (2025, June 10). Medically Tailored Meals in Heart Failure: A Systemic View of the Literature, 2013-2023. ScienceDirect. 31(6), 939-950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cardfail.2024.10.446

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Food as Medicine Research

2024

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