KC Fresh Rx participants see positive health results

KC Fresh Rx is a “produce prescription” program designed to improve the health of patients with Medicaid who have or are developing diabetes and/or hypertension by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.

The 49 participants, who were referred by one of the program’s four partner clinics, received a KC Fresh Rx gift card to purchase fresh produce at Balls Food stores, which are reloaded monthly for the duration of the classes. At referral, clinics provided patients’ blood pressure and A1C (blood sugar). At the end of the program, participants returned to their clinic for these measurements. Results were evaluated, along with survey questions related to fruit and vegetable consumption and food security.

Based on a preliminary analyses of the cohort:

• 59% of those tested had lower A1Cs.
• 43% of those tested had lower systolic blood pressure.
• 47% of those tested had lower diastolic blood pressure post-program.
• 32% of the participants said they had improved their food security status by the end of the program.
• $27,900 in incentives was distributed and $25,337 — or 91% — was redeemed using the KC Fresh Rx card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

Enjoying more produce is strongly linked to better health and can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk for heart attack, heart disease and stroke. Fruit and veggies can also be helpful for blood sugar, lowering the risk for diabetes. 

The next KC Fresh Rx cohort will start in April and expand to include materials translated into three more languages: Arabic, Somali and Vietnamese. Spanish language materials are currently available.

Interested individuals must be referred to the program by their physician. 

KC Fresh Rx is offered in partnership with MARC, AdventHealth Medical Clinic, the University of Kansas General Internal Medicine Clinic, University of Kansas Family Medicine Clinic and Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center.