A program providing fruit and vegetable prescriptions for patients with type 2 diabetes
Official title: Veggie Rx: A pilot, 3-arm randomized controlled trial of a fruit and vegetable prescription program for patients with type two diabetes
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10915607 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a program that gives people with type 2 diabetes, especially Hispanic adults, vouchers to buy more fruits and vegetables, along with support to help them manage their diabetes better and improve their eating habits and blood sugar levels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $321,219 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132077-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915607 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, particularly those from Hispanic communities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have type 2 diabetes or those who are not interested in dietary changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a program that provides patients with type 2 diabetes access to vouchers for purchasing fruits and vegetables. The program aims to improve dietary intake among high-risk patients, particularly focusing on Hispanic adults who often do not meet recommended fruit and vegetable consumption levels. Participants will also receive diabetes self-management education and support to enhance their health outcomes. The study will measure changes in dietary habits and blood sugar levels over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary habits and better management of blood sugar levels for patients with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies on fruit and vegetable prescription programs have shown positive outcomes, including increased intake and reductions in blood sugar levels, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Veldheer, Susan — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Veldheer, Susan
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Veggie Rx: A fruit and vegetable prescription for type 2 diabetes
This project is exploring if providing vouchers for fruits and vegetables, combined with diabetes education, can help Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.