October 2023 - 4

EDITOR'S LETTER
A prescription
for success
I
t's good to hear when research agrees that eating fruits and
vegetables will lead to healthier outcomes. A new study in
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and
Outcomes by Kurt Hager, an instructor
of epidemiology at UMass Chan Medical
School and Fang Fang Zhang, a professor
of epidemiology at Tufts University, shows
that people with diabetes, hypertension
and obesity saw health improvements
when they received a prescription for free
fruits and vegetables from a doctor.
The study indicated that blood sugar
levels, blood pressure and weight of
individuals reacted positively to fruit
consumption, and it is good to see policies
change as research underscores the
benefits of fresh produce.
The concept of food as medicine is gaining traction across the
country, with " patients " positive outcomes.
Patients in the recent study received an average of $65 for 4-10
months. Patients could purchase apples, broccoli, berries, cucumbers
and other fresh produce for free.
The study tracked results of programs in Los Angeles, Houston,
Minneapolis, Boise and other areas. The researchers focused on data
from 22 U.S. produce prescription locations run by Wholesome Wave.
The non-profit promotes access to affordable and healthy foods.
Participants in the programs ate more fruits and vegetables and were
one-third less likely to experience food insecurity.
The two researchers are evaluating " food as medicines " programs
funded by Massachusetts' Medicaid program, and are running large
randomized controlled trials in which one group will get free homedelivered
meals and the other will receive standard care.
Here at Great American Media Services, we're preparing for the
Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO, which means were
getting ready for two special events that we sponsor: the Farm Market
Bus Tour, which is the day before the EXPO kicks off, and our Fruit +
Vegetable 40 Under 40 Awards ceremony, which recognizes the upand-coming
younger generation who are already making their mark
via research, running a family company, helping growers meet their
potential and so much more.
We hope to see you on the bus and at the awards ceremony on the
Expo show floor.
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OCTOBER 2023 | VOLUME 62 | ISSUE 10
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October 2023

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