Home delivery increases fresh produce prescription use among older adults, UB study finds
A recent study from the University at Buffalo found that delivering fresh produce directly to the homes of food-insecure older adults significantly boosts the utilization of produce prescriptions compared to traditional voucher systems. While voucher redemption rates at local markets were only 28.3%, participants receiving home-delivered produce or meal kits achieved redemption rates of nearly 90%.
HNH Insight
This research highlights a critical barrier in 'Food as Medicine' programs: the logistical and social challenges associated with redeeming physical vouchers at mobile markets or pantries, suggesting that direct delivery models may be more effective for vulnerable populations.
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