Food RX Pilot

Overview

The Food RX Pilot Program addresses the critical need for nutritious food and education among food-insecure individuals with diet-related chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Integrating food provision with nutrition education, the program aims to improve health outcomes and promote sustainable behavioral change through strategic Food As Medicine interventions.

Phase 1 of the Food Rx Pilot program (October 2023 – December 2024) successfully launched with the generous support of the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation. The pilot served 96 unique individuals across 3 cohorts and resulted in improved clinical improvements, as well as behavioral and confidence gains.

Phase 2 of the Food Rx Pilot (January 2026 – December 31, 2028) is made possible by a grant from the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation and builds upon the success of Phase 1. This robust 36-month initiative will reach 270 adults across 18 cohorts. For an in-depth look at Phase 1 results and to learn more about the Phase 2 initiative, click here.

Key Features:

Medically Supportive Groceries to promote improved health and well-being.
In-person nutrition education led by clinic educators and supervised by the Food Bank Nutrition Services team.
Measurable changes through pre- and post-surveys, clinical measures, and self-reported behavior changes empower individuals to make sustainable lifestyle improvements.
Community-building cohorts are designed to foster a support system beyond the 12-week program.
Take-home nutrition resources promote sustainable behavior change.

Cohort Design:

Cohorts meet once per week for 12 weeks.
Health metrics are measured at baseline and program completion.
Participants receive medically supportive groceries to improve participant health outcomes.
Incentives include take-home materials and cooking tools to support sustained behavior change.
A tailored approach fosters inclusivity by addressing unique dietary preferences and the cultural connections to food.

Eligibility:

Adults 18+, screening positive for food insecurity (Hunger Vital Signs survey), diagnosed with pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or hypertension.

Food RX Boxes:

Designed to meet specific nutritional criteria.
A personalized approach ensures participants can follow their healthcare provider’s advice, thereby improving the likelihood of effectively managing their conditions.
The weekly supportive food boxes contain 10lbs. of shelf-stable, low-glycemic, low-sodium foods and 15lbs. of fresh produce selected to match the week’s recipes and foster healthier eating habits.
Medically Supportive Groceries for improved participant health outcomes.

Nutrition Education:

We partner with trusted community-based organizations (CBOs), whose Registered Dietitians and clinicians deliver the 12-week in-person Nutrition Education curriculum.
In-person classes at partner clinics cover topics from Whole Foods vs. Processed Foods to Emotional Eating.
Comprehensive curriculum designed to address barriers to healthy eating.
Cooking demonstrations facilitated practical skill-building, empowering participants to make healthier food choices on a budget.

Health Measurement Metrics:

Blood pressure and A1C are measured at baseline and program completion.

Behavioral and Confidence Gains:

Registered Dietitians evaluate changes in participants’ ability to read nutrition labels, plan balanced meals, and apply condition-specific dietary strategies.
Pre- and post-assessments also capture improvements in confidence, motivation, and perceived control over health.
These complementary metrics allow us to evaluate both physiological outcomes and the program’s broader impact on participants’ long-term well-being.

Food RX Pilot Program