FreshStart for Health Study

FreshStart for Health: Produce Prescription to Promote Health Behaviors and Food Security.

The goal of this study is to test whether a produce prescription program (FS4H) influences health behaviors and food security. FS4H engages a total of 4 cohorts to receive fresh local produce and nutrition lessons.

This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a produce prescription (PRx) program on health behaviors and food security. The PRx program being evaluated, known as FreshStart for Health (FS4H), offers participants nutrition education lessons and access to fresh local produce (fruits and vegetables) across multiple cohorts, each with varying durations (8, 12, 18, or 24 weeks). FS4H is administered by Buffalo Go Green, serving eligible Kaleida Health employees in Buffalo, New York.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-65 years.
• Be enrolled in Kaleida's Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan.
• Having one of the following:
• Prediabetes.
• Diabetes.
• Prehypertension.
• Hypertension.
• Obesity.
• Food Insecurity.
• Financial insecurity.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not being enrolled in Kaleida's Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan.
• Having no chronic health condition.
• Being food secure.
• Having financial stability.