RUSH Food is Medicine Veggie Rx for Food Insecurity, Diabetes, and Hypertension

This study, called RUSH Food is Medicine Veggie Rx, is looking at how a fresh produce food prescription program can help adults who have food insecurity and also have high blood pressure (hypertension) and/or diabetes. The program provides vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables. Researchers want to see if this program increases how many fruits and vegetables people eat, improves their food security (meaning they have enough food), and reduces their healthcare visits and costs. You might be able to join if you are an adult over 18, receive medical care at Rush, have hypertension and/or diabetes, experience food insecurity, and qualify for certain state medical assistance or SNAP benefits. The study aims to enroll up to 400 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study aiming to enroll up to 400 participants. It tests a behavioral intervention: a fresh produce food prescription program.
What's involved
Participants will take part in the Veggie Rx program for one year, using vouchers for up to $40 dollars match concurrently with SNAP EBT benefits at a local grocer.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Researchers will measure changes in fruit and vegetable intake, food security, and healthcare use at 6 months and 12 months.

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NCT07376044

RUSH Food is Medicine Veggie Rx - GusNIP Produce Prescription

Not Yet Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalSupportive care
Rush University Medical Center
~400 participants
Updated 2026-06-05 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Food is Medicine

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Fruit and Vegetable Intake
Measured over 6 months, 12 months
+5 more outcomes measured
Food Insecurity
Diabetes in Adults
Hypertension (HTN)
1 sites across 1 states
Illinois1
  • Traci Simmons, DrPHc, MPH · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Rush University Medical Center

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Adults over 18 years of age
Participants receiving medical care at Rush
Participants with a diagnosis of hypertension and/or diabetes
Participants with a positive screen for food insecurity
Participants eligible for medical assistance through a state plan
Participants eligible for benefits through the SNAP program
Participants are member of a low-income household
Participants willing to participate for duration of the program (12-months)
Participants residing in service area of the referring Rush clinic

Exclusion

Adults unable to consent
Individuals not yet adults - infants, children, teenagers
Incarcerated individuals
  • Change in Fruit and Vegetable Intake6 months, 12 months

    Mean change in daily servings of fruits and vegetables (FV) determined by self-reported data using 10-item Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ). The 10-item DSQ scale collects intake frequency of FV including the quantity (i.e., amount) and variety (i.e., kinds) through retrospective observance of the past 30-days. Scale values range from decreased, stayed the same, increased, or does not apply, with increased FV intake correlating with improved intake, and decreased correlating with less intake. A higher score means a better outcome.

  • Change in Food Security Status6months, 12 months

    Individual and household level food security as measured using the United States Department of Agriculture 10-item United States Adult Food Security Module. Measured on a scale of severity from high to low food security, including high food security, marginal food security, low food security and very low food security with very low food security meaning a worse outcome.

  • Change in Healthcare Utilization and Associated Costs6 months, 12 months

    Changes in healthcare utilization including hospital, emergency department, and outpatient visits using Electronic Health Records and claims data.

  • Change in Health Outcomes Associated with Hypertension6 months, 12 months

    Changes in hypertension clinical biomarkers through Electronic Health Records, self-reported pre and post assessments for chronic disease self-management classes. Measured by 10 mm Hg reduction in systolic BP for participants with uncontrolled hypertension, as targeted by the intervention.

  • Change in Health Outcome Associated with Diabetes6 months, 12 months

    Changes in diabetes clinical biomarkers through Electronic Health Records, self-reported pre and post assessments for chronic disease self-management classes. Measured by changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), as targeted by the intervention.

  • Local Economic SupportMonthly for 1 year

    Change in participant spending through use of produce vouchers at local food vendors using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Electronic Benefits Transfer leads to local economic support. Measured by point of sale dollar value of produce voucher, dollar value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program purchase (Electronic Benefits Transfer sales).