The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation has announced the commencement of a research pilot on Food is Medicine and the potential for pharmacies to facilitate access to nutritious food for individuals with certain chronic diseases and nutrition insecurity. This project aims to implement a scalable program where pharmacists initiate food prescriptions, based on patient assessments, designed to improve health and well-being. About 60 pharmacies across more than 10 states will participate in the study, evaluating feasibility, nutrition security, key clinical measures, and exploring opportunities for sustainability with health plan partners.

“Food and nutrition insecurity are major factors contributing to the prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases and conditions,” said NACDS Foundation President Sara E. Roszak, DrPH, MPH. “As one of the most frequented and accessible facilities of care, pharmacies are in a unique position to help promote healthier eating.”

The study will be  focused on individuals with diabetes and/or hypertension, who also screen positive for nutrition insecurity. Enrolled patients will be given funds to purchase nutritious foods, via a Produce Prescription. Participants will also receive nutrition education. Through these interventions, the project aims to improve nutrition outcomes, including diet quality, as well as disease-specific measures such as A1c and blood pressure. The research team will also consider payer outreach opportunities to support the sustainability of pharmacy-based Food is Medicine interventions.

The project was developed and supported by the NACDS Foundation and is being conducted in collaboration with researchers from the Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, and pharmacy collaborators including Hy-Vee, Kroger, and Walmart.

“As individuals often go to pharmacies more frequently than they might their physician or other healthcare provider, let’s bring nutrition and nutrition education to where people are,” said Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, DrPH, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School at Tufts University. “This study will provide us with valuable data on the feasibility and impact of Food is Medicine programs in a pharmacy setting, as we look at all possible avenues for expanding access to nutrition and good health.”