A groundbreaking clinical study has revealed that providing modest monthly grocery cards for produce can lead to improvements in blood pressure compared to distributing pre-selected boxes of healthy food. The study, conducted by researchers at UNC Health and UNC Schools of Medicine and Public Health, sheds light on the importance of empowering individuals facing food insecurity to choose the nutritious foods they want, ultimately driving meaningful improvements in health outcomes and promoting healthier lifestyles.
High blood pressure affects a significant portion of adults and can have serious implications for heart health. Despite the availability of treatment options, many Americans with high blood pressure still have readings that are too high, with food insecurity exacerbating these numbers. The Healthy Food First trial aimed to find an intervention that could improve blood pressure among participants experiencing food insecurity.
Participants in the study were given two options: a $40 food subsidy or a box of pre-selected healthy food. Both groups saw a decrease in blood pressure, but those who received the food subsidy experienced even lower blood pressure than those who received the food box. The results of the study were published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
Food insecurity is a prevalent issue in North Carolina, affecting over 1.5 million individuals, including 1 in 5 children. Blue Cross NC, in collaboration with UNC Health Alliance and UNC researchers, launched the Health Through Food initiative to address food security among at-risk members with hypertension. This initiative aims to expand access to nutritious food, reduce chronic conditions, improve health outcomes, and lower healthcare costs across the state.
The study highlighted the various ways in which food insecurity can impact blood pressure, including nutrition, budget management, and stress. By addressing these factors through interventions like food subsidies, individuals can make healthier food choices and improve their overall health outcomes.
Throughout the clinical trial, nearly 2,800 potential candidates were assessed, with approximately 450 participants randomly assigned to receive either the food subsidy or the food box. Community health workers provided advice on improving diet quality, focusing on a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet program. Participants could receive their assigned intervention for six or 12 months.
The results showed that providing a food subsidy, which allowed participants to choose healthy foods, had a greater impact on blood pressure compared to delivering pre-selected food boxes. Both groups experienced a decline in blood pressure, but the food subsidy group saw a larger drop. This flexibility in food choice enabled participants to consume healthier foods they enjoy, leading to improved health outcomes.
The study’s findings have significant implications for addressing diet-related chronic conditions and improving the health and well-being of communities. By partnering with clinically integrated networks like UNC Health Alliance, medical academic research can inform more effective strategies to support vulnerable populations, reduce health disparities, and enhance overall community well-being.
In conclusion, the Healthy Food First study demonstrates the power of innovative interventions in addressing food insecurity and improving health outcomes. By providing individuals with the resources and flexibility to make healthy food choices, we can make significant strides towards promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the burden of chronic conditions.
