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NYS FAM Research
Resource Guide

Facilitators and Barriers to Reach and Enrollment into a Medically Tailored Meals Program within a Section 1115 Medicaid Pilot: Clinic Staff Perspectives

This study explores the perspectives of clinic staff on the facilitators and barriers to enrollment in a medically tailored meals (MTM) program within a Medicaid pilot. The findings highlight key factors influencing successful participation, such as effective communication and coordination with patients, as well as the logistical challenges of delivering tailored nutrition services. Barriers included patient eligibility issues, lack of awareness, and logistical constraints, underscoring the need for improved program outreach and integration with healthcare systems.

Folta, S.C., Burch, J., Alcusky, M., Ash, A.S., Hager, K., Terranova, J., Zhang, F.F., Anyanwu, O., Li, Z., Mozaffarian, D. (2025). Facilitators and barriers to reach and enrollment into a medically tailored meals program within a section 1115 Medicaid pilot: clinic staff perspectives. Front. Public Health. 13:1526564. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1526564

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Food as Medicine Research

2025

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Feasibility of self-investment in a medically tailored meals program by a large health enterprise: Cleveland Clinic experience

This study evaluated a medically tailored meal (MTM) program, using an online platform and internal investments from a healthcare institution. Participants received 14 frozen meals per week for three months, resulting in reduced emergency department visits and inpatient days, as well as substantial healthcare cost savings. While the program showed high patient satisfaction and positive outcomes, it faced challenges such as upfront costs and sustainability, highlighting the feasibility of MTM programs for vulnerable populations when supported by large healthcare institutions.

Haddad, E.N., Miles, R., Alejandro-Rodriguez, M., et al. (2025). Feasibility of self-investment in a medically tailored meals program by a large health enterprise: Cleveland Clinic experience. Sage Journals, Nutrition and Health. 0(0):e241307980. doi:10.1177/02601060241307980

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Food as Medicine Research

2025

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The nutritional impact of 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals in patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk: a random order crossover feeding trial (MEDIMEALS)

This study evaluates the effects of providing 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals (MTMs) per week to patients recently discharged with heart failure (HF) and at risk of malnutrition. In this randomized crossover trial involving 46 participants, both MTM regimens led to significant improvements in malnutrition risk, adherence to American Heart Association dietary guidelines, and reductions in sarcopenia risk over a two-month period. Notably, 30-day hospital readmission rates were low for both groups, 9% for the 21-meal group and 12.5% for the 7-meal group, compared to the national average of 23%. The findings suggest that providing at least seven MTMs per week post-discharge is a promising strategy to enhance nutritional status and reduce readmissions in this patient population.

Compher, C., Henstenburg, J.A., Aloupis, M. et al. (2025). The nutritional impact of 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals in patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk: a random order crossover feeding trial (MEDIMEALS). BMC Nutr. 11(56). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-025-01036-y

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Food as Medicine Research

2025

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Food is medicine: assessing medically tailored meals through a health equity lens for Hispanic/Latinx and monolingual Spanish-speaking populations - ProQuest

This abstract examines the implementation of medically tailored meal (MTM) programs within Hispanic/Latinx communities. It emphasizes the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions to address health disparities among monolingual Spanish-speaking individuals. The study advocates for integrating health equity considerations into MTM programs to enhance their effectiveness and accessibility for underserved populations. By focusing on culturally sensitive approaches, the research aims to improve health outcomes and promote equity in healthcare delivery.

Kahkejian, V. &Kartika, P. (025, April). 297 Food is medicine: assessing medically tailored meals through a health equity lens for Hispanic/Latinx and monolingual Spanish-speaking populations. ProQuest - Journal of Clinical and Translational Science; Cambridge. 9(s1) p. 91. DOI:10.1017/cts.2024.933

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Food as Medicine Research

2025

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Produce Prescription Programs US Field Scan Report: 2010-2020

This source provides a comprehensive analysis of produce prescription programs across the U.S. The report highlights the rapid growth of these programs, their geographic distribution, and variations in implementation, including prescription redemption methods and eligibility criteria. It emphasizes the importance of strong healthcare-community partnerships, integration of nutrition education, and sustainable funding sources to maximize impact. Key challenges include participation barriers and the need for standardized evaluation metrics to measure long-term health outcomes.

Rodriguez, M.E. et al. (2021, April). Produce Prescription Plans U.S. Food Scan Report: 2010-2020. Wholesome Wave & DAISA. https://www.daisaenterprises.com/uploads/4/4/0/5/44054359/produce_prescription_programs_us_field_scan_report__june_2021_final.pdf

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Food as Medicine Research

2021

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Corbin Hill Food Project: Food as Medicine Program

The Corbin Hill Food Project's Food as Medicine (FAM) program, launched in 2023, provides affordable and accessible fresh food boxes to underserved communities in Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx. The program aims to address racial and economic disparities in food access by partnering with local organizations and healthcare providers. Participant feedback highlights high satisfaction and engagement, demonstrating the program's impact on food security and community empowerment.

Corbin Hill Food Project. (n.d.). Food As Medicine Program. https://corbinhill-foodproject.org/food-as-medicine-program/

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Food as Medicine Research

2025

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Virginia Produce Rx Program

This one-pager provides an overview of Virginia's Produce Prescription (Produce Rx) initiatives, which aim to improve health outcomes by increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables for individuals with diet-related health conditions. The program involves collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, and local food retailers to offer patients prescriptions or vouchers for produce.

Virginia Health Catalyst. (2024). The Healthy Virginia Blueprint. https://vahealthcatalyst.org/

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Food as Medicine Research

2021

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Integrating Produce Prescriptions into the Healthcare System: Perspectives from Key Stakeholders

​This study explores the facilitators and barriers to implementing produce prescription programs within healthcare settings. Through 19 in-depth interviews with experts, the research highlights the potential benefits of such programs, including improved patient diets, enhanced food security, better disease management, and increased patient engagement with healthcare services, all of which could contribute to reduced healthcare costs. Successful integration requires addressing challenges like program costs and aligning technology systems, while ensuring convenience for patients and providing adequate resources for program implementers.

Auvinen, A., Simock, M., & Moran, A. (2022). Integrating Produce Prescriptions into the Healthcare System: Perspectives from Key Stakeholders. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(17):e1711010. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191711010

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Food as Medicine Research

2022

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Nutrition Incentive Hub - Produce Prescription Project

The Produce Prescription (PPR) program from the Nutrition Incentive Hub provides patients with diet-related health conditions access to fresh fruits and vegetables through prescriptions or vouchers. These programs are designed to improve health outcomes, address food insecurity, and foster partnerships between healthcare providers and community food organizations. Effective implementation requires assessing community needs, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring sustainable funding and infrastructure.
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Food as Medicine Research

2025

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NYC Health + Hospitals Launches Produce Prescription Program Study To Improve the Health of Children With Overweight and Obesity

This article highlights a research study called "Food for Health," launched at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens in June 2022, enrolling over 250 families to assess the impact of providing free, home-delivered, locally-grown fruits and vegetables to children aged 2 to 8 with overweight or obesity. This was funded by the New York Health Foundation and the Mayor's Fund to Advance NYC, with produce supplied by Brooklyn-based 'Farm to People,' this initiative aims to improve dietary habits and health outcomes in young children at risk of chronic diseases.

New York City Health + Hospitals. (2022, June 2). New York City Health + Hospitals Launches Produce Prescription Program Study to Improve the Health of Children with Overweight and Obesity. https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/pressrelease/health-system-launches-produce-prescription-program-study/

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Food as Medicine Research

2022

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Impact of a Pediatric Produce Prescription Intervention on Food Security and Perceived Nutrition-Related Behaviors: A Mixed-Methods Study

​This study evaluated a six-month program providing produce deliveries and nutrition education to caregivers of children aged 0-18. Utilizing a validated food security survey, the research assessed changes in household food security status following the intervention. The findings suggest that such produce prescription programs may enhance food security among low-income families with children.

Muleta H, Fischer L, Ali Q, et al. (2024, November 5). Impact of a Pediatric Produce Prescription Intervention on Food Security and Perceived Nutrition-Related Behaviors: A Mixed-Methods Study. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health. doi:10.1177/21501319241276780

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Food as Medicine Research

2024

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Frontiers | Gaining stakeholder perspectives to shape a produce prescription program to improve maternal and birth outcomes: a qualitative study

​This study explores the design and implementation of produce prescription programs for pregnant women. Through interviews with 11 patients and 11 clinical staff at a metropolitan OB/GYN clinic, the research highlights strong support for such programs, emphasizing benefits like alleviating financial constraints and improving access to healthy foods. Key considerations for successful implementation include respecting patient autonomy, addressing delivery logistics, and integrating the program seamlessly into clinical workflows. The study concludes that produce prescription programs, when thoughtfully designed, have the potential to enhance maternal nutrition and birth outcomes.

Vilme, H., Zhang, F.F., O’Tierney-Ginn, P., Sun, C.H., Anyanwu, O.A., Fahmi, R., Folta, S.C. (2025) Gaining stakeholder perspectives to shape a produce prescription program to improve maternal and birth outcomes: a qualitative study. Front. Public Health. 12:1462908. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1462908

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Food as Medicine Research

2025

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Mainstreaming Produce Prescriptions in Medicaid Managed Care: A Policy Toolkit and Resource Library, CHLPI and DC Greens (June 2023)

This report is the third in a series in which it builds on the previous two reports. "While federal law and policy have not yet allowed broad coverage of nutrition interventions in Medicaid, MMC offers important flexibilities to support PRx. Mainstreaming Produce Prescriptions in Medicaid Managed Care provides a roadmap for PRx stakeholders as they navigate these opportunities. It provides information and guidance organized into three sections, each focused on a key step in the process of achieving MMC policy change. This Executive Summary provides a highlevel overview of each of these sections. More detailed information, examples, and resources can be found in the full report."

Center for Health Law and Policy Innovations. (2023, June). Mainstreaming Produce Prescriptions in Medicaid Managed Care: A Policy Toolkit and Resource Library, Executive Summary. dcgreens. https://chlpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mainstreaming-Produce-Prescriptions-in-Medicaid-Managed-Care-Exec-Summary.pdf

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Food as Medicine Research

2023

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Addressing Dietary-Related Health Disparities in Underserved Communities: Outcomes From a 24-Month Pilot, Subsidized Food Prescription Program in the Mississippi Delta

The study "Outcomes From a 24-Month Pilot, Subsidized Food Prescription Program in a Federally Qualified Health Center" evaluates the impact of a two-year program providing subsidized access to healthy foods for patients at an FQHC. The initiative aimed to improve food security and dietary quality among low-income individuals with diet-related health conditions. Findings indicate positive effects on participants' fruit and vegetable consumption, with potential improvements in health outcomes over time. The study highlights the importance of long-term sustainability, integration with healthcare services, and addressing barriers to participation.

Arnold, A., Zigmont, V., Sefidmooye, Azar P., Barannik, K., Cafer, A., Rosenthal, M. (2024 November 16). Addressing Dietary-Related Health Disparities in Underserved Communities: Outcomes From a 24-Month Pilot, Subsidized Food Prescription Program in the Mississippi Delta. Community Health Equity Research & Policy. 46(1), 89-101. doi:10.1177/2752535X241301847

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Food as Medicine Research

2024

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Produce prescription benefits redemption and activity in an observational study of 2,680 Massachusetts Medicaid members

This study examines the utilization of produce prescription benefits among 2,680 Massachusetts Medicaid members enrolled in the Fresh Connect program. This prospective observational study focuses on an urban safety-net population to assess how participants redeem and engage with the provided benefits. The findings offer insights into the effectiveness of produce prescription programs in improving access to healthy foods within underserved communities.

Ridberg, R.A., Sharib, J.R., Mozaffarian, D. (2025, February). Produce prescription benefits redemption and activity in an observational study of 2680 Massachusetts Medicaid members. Science Direct. 21(2), 27-435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.11.010

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Food as Medicine Research

2025

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