Design and Implementation of a Clinic-Based Food Pharmacy for Food Insecure, Uninsured Patients to Support Chronic Disease Self-Management

Top Things to Know

The OU Food Pharmacy program demonstrated that providing medically tailored food packages and nutrition education can significantly improve dietary habits, particularly increasing daily dietary fiber intake among food-insecure, uninsured patients.

The program showed a significant improvement in diastolic blood pressure among participants with high blood pressure at enrollment, indicating potential benefits for managing cardiometabolic health through tailored food assistance.

The study provides a framework that can be replicated by other clinics and food bank partners. However, further research, including randomized control trials, is needed to confirm the program's effectiveness and explore additional outcomes.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This pilot study between the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and the Oklahoma University School of Community Medicine and College of Public Health found that participants in the OU Food Pharmacy program experienced a significant increase in daily dietary fiber intake and a slight, though not statistically significant, increase in fruit and vegetable intake. Among participants with high blood pressure at enrollment, diastolic blood pressure significantly improved. The program did not significantly change overall food security. The study suggests that medically tailored food assistance can support meaningful dietary changes and blood pressure management, but further research, including randomized control trials, is needed to confirm these findings.