Doctors and hospitals are increasingly using special food programs to help prevent and treat diseases like diabetes and heart disease. These “Food is Medicine” programs include things like meal delivery services, grocery shopping help, and cooking classes. Early research shows these programs help people eat more fruits and vegetables and may even reduce hospital visits. However, scientists say we need more studies to be sure these programs really work as well as people hope. The programs also face challenges like making sure everyone can access them fairly and figuring out the best way to teach people about nutrition.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether using food as a medical treatment (through special meal programs, cooking classes, and food prescriptions) actually helps prevent and manage diseases like diabetes and heart disease
  • Who participated: This was a review article that looked at many different food-based programs and studies, rather than testing one specific group of people
  • Key finding: Early evidence suggests Food is Medicine programs help people eat healthier foods and may improve heart health markers, but scientists need bigger and longer studies to be confident these programs really work
  • What it means for you: If your doctor recommends a food-based program like meal delivery or cooking classes, it may help you eat better and manage your health. However, these programs work best alongside other medical care, not as a replacement for it. Talk to your doctor about whether these programs are right for you.

The Research Details

This article is a perspective piece that reviews and summarizes what scientists currently know about “Food is Medicine” programs. Rather than conducting their own experiment, the authors looked at existing research and programs to understand what’s working and what still needs improvement. They examined different types of programs including meal delivery services designed for specific health conditions, grocery shopping assistance, hands-on cooking classes, and doctor-prescribed food plans. The authors also discussed newer approaches like using artificial intelligence to create personalized meal plans and incorporating cultural foods into programs.

Understanding what we know and don’t know about Food is Medicine programs is important because hospitals and governments are spending money on these programs. Before investing more resources, we need to understand if they actually work, how much they cost, and whether they help all groups of people fairly. This review helps identify what research is still needed.

This is a perspective article, which means it’s an expert’s summary and opinion rather than a new research study. The authors work in nutrition science and have expertise in this area. The article was published in a respected nutrition journal. However, because it’s not reporting new experimental data, it’s less definitive than a research study. The strength of this article is in identifying gaps in current knowledge and suggesting future research directions.

What the Results Show

Programs that provide specially designed meals, grocery assistance, and cooking education appear to help people eat more fruits and vegetables. Some programs also showed improvements in heart health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A few studies suggested these programs might reduce the number of times people go to the hospital and could save money in healthcare costs, though more research is needed to confirm this.

The review found that newer approaches are emerging, including doctors receiving better training in nutrition, personalized nutrition plans based on individual genetics and health data, and artificial intelligence tools that help create customized meal plans. Community-based programs are also incorporating foods that match people’s cultural backgrounds and traditions, which may help people stick with healthier eating habits.

Cooking classes and hands-on nutrition education appear to help people develop better cooking skills and make healthier food choices. Programs that respect and include traditional dietary patterns from cultures like Mediterranean and Asian diets show promise. The integration of digital health tools and apps may help people track their food intake and get personalized recommendations.

Food is Medicine is not entirely new—it builds on decades of nutrition research showing that diet affects disease risk. What’s different now is that hospitals and healthcare systems are formally adopting these programs as part of medical care. This review suggests the field is moving in the right direction but acknowledges that earlier enthusiasm may have outpaced the actual evidence available.

The authors identify several important limitations: most existing studies are small and only follow people for short periods, making it hard to know if benefits last. There’s limited evidence on whether these programs actually save money in the long run. Access and fairness are concerns—these programs may not reach people who need them most. The review also notes that turning food into “medicine” might make people feel like eating is complicated or stressful rather than enjoyable. Finally, more research is needed on how well these programs work in real-world settings outside of research studies.

The Bottom Line

If your doctor recommends a Food is Medicine program (such as medically tailored meals, cooking classes, or food prescriptions), it may help you eat healthier and manage chronic diseases. These programs appear most helpful when combined with other medical treatments and lifestyle changes. Confidence level: Moderate—early evidence is promising, but larger studies are still needed. These programs should not replace prescribed medications or other medical treatments.

People with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure may benefit from these programs. People interested in preventing disease through better nutrition should care about this research. Healthcare providers and policymakers deciding whether to fund these programs should pay attention. However, these programs work best for people who have access to them and can participate regularly. People in underserved communities may face barriers to accessing these programs.

Changes in eating habits and health markers may take several weeks to months to appear. Most studies looked at results over 3-12 months, so expect to give any program at least 2-3 months before deciding if it’s working for you. Long-term benefits (over years) are still being studied.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily fruit and vegetable servings and note any changes in energy levels, blood sugar readings (if diabetic), or blood pressure measurements weekly. Compare these metrics monthly to see if the program is helping.
  • Use the app to log meals from your Food is Medicine program, set reminders for cooking class attendance, and receive personalized recipe suggestions based on your health goals and cultural food preferences. Create a shopping list feature that aligns with your prescribed foods.
  • Set up monthly check-ins to review diet quality improvements, track any reductions in medication needs (with doctor approval), monitor energy and mood changes, and measure progress toward health goals like weight management or blood sugar control. Use the app to share progress with your healthcare provider.

This article is a review of existing research and represents expert perspective rather than new scientific evidence. Food is Medicine programs should complement, not replace, medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. Before starting any food-based health program, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have chronic diseases, take medications, or have dietary restrictions. Results vary by individual, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always discuss any major dietary changes with your doctor or a registered dietitian.