Veggie Rx: A fruit and vegetable prescription for 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-11124838 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $334,603 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132077-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124838 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Hispanic adults aged 21 and older who have type 2 diabetes and may struggle to meet recommended fruit and vegetable intake.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who already consume a nutrient-dense diet rich in fruits and vegetables or do not have type 2 diabetes may not receive direct benefit from this specific program.
What this research studies
Many Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, which are essential for managing their condition. This project introduces 'Veggie Rx' programs, which offer vouchers for fresh produce within clinical settings. The unique aspect of this effort is combining these vouchers with diabetes self-management education and support. The goal is to understand if this combined approach leads to better blood sugar control and healthier eating habits for participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new way for patients with type 2 diabetes to improve their diet and better control their blood sugar levels.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that fruit and vegetable prescription programs can increase intake and reduce A1c, and combining them with diabetes education has shown promising results in pilot work.
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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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.