Researchers tested a new program called Veggie Vouchers designed to help families with limited money buy fresh fruits and vegetables at a discount through government food assistance. The study involved 91 families in South Carolina with children. Doctors gave families free coupons to try the program, and most families (70%) used them and loved the variety of produce they could get. While only about 19% continued using the program after the free trial ended, families reported it was easier to eat healthy foods, and their food security improved. The program was also easy for doctors to offer in their clinics without disrupting their regular work.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a program that gives families free coupons to buy discounted fruits and vegetables through government food assistance is practical to use and whether families like it
  • Who participated: 91 caregivers (mostly mothers) and 37 pediatricians in South Carolina; 77% of families identified as Black; all families had children ages 2-17 and qualified for food assistance programs
  • Key finding: About 7 out of 10 families used their free trial coupons and were very happy with the program (over 90% satisfied). However, only about 1 in 5 families continued using the program after the free trial ended, mainly because of transportation challenges
  • What it means for you: If you struggle to afford fresh produce for your family, this type of program may help you buy more fruits and vegetables at lower prices. The initial free trial seems to work well to get people interested, but more support may be needed to help families keep using the program long-term

The Research Details

This was a single-arm feasibility study, which means researchers tested one version of a program with a group of people to see if it could work in real life. Researchers worked with pediatricians (children’s doctors) in South Carolina to identify families who qualified for government food assistance and had children. During regular doctor visits, pediatricians gave families information about a special program where they could buy fruits and vegetables at half price or less. Each family received free coupons to try the program once. Researchers then tracked whether families used their free coupons and whether they continued using the program after the free trial ended. Families answered surveys about their experience, how much food security they had (whether they had enough food), and what their children were eating.

This type of study is important because it tests whether a new program can actually work in real doctor’s offices with real families, not just in a laboratory. By starting with a small group and checking if doctors and families like the program, researchers can figure out what needs to change before testing it with a larger group. This approach saves time and money compared to jumping straight to a big study.

This study is a first step in testing the program, so it has some limitations. There was no comparison group (like families who didn’t get the program) to compare results against. The study only included families in one state, so results might be different in other places. However, the study did have good participation rates—most families completed the surveys, and doctors found the program easy to use, which are positive signs

What the Results Show

About 70% of families who received the free coupons actually used them to buy fruits and vegetables. Of the families who didn’t use their coupons, more than half said transportation (getting to the store) was the main reason they couldn’t participate. Among families who did use their coupons, over 90% said they were satisfied with the amount, variety, and quality of fruits and vegetables they could buy. About 90% of families who used the free trial said it made it easier for them and their children to eat more fruits and vegetables. However, when the free trial ended and families had to pay for the program themselves (even at the discounted price), only about 19% continued using it. This suggests that while families love the program when it’s free, other barriers (like cost, transportation, or just forgetting about it) prevent them from continuing.

Families who used the free coupons showed early signs of improvement in their food security (having enough food to eat) and nutrition security (having enough healthy food) compared to families who didn’t use the coupons. From the doctors’ perspective, 89% felt the program was easy to implement during their regular clinic visits, and all doctors reported that the program caused little to no disruption to their normal work schedule. This is important because it means doctors can offer this program without it taking extra time or causing problems in their offices.

Previous research has shown that discount programs for fruits and vegetables do increase how much produce people buy and eat, and may reduce healthcare costs. However, many people don’t know about these programs or don’t use them. The Veggie Vouchers program builds on this research by testing a new way to tell people about the program (through their doctor) and giving them a free trial to encourage them to try it. This study shows that the doctor-based approach and free trial are effective ways to get people interested, which is a new finding.

This study only included 91 families in one state, so the results might be different in other places or with different groups of people. There was no comparison group, so we can’t be completely sure that the program itself caused the improvements in food security—other things could have caused the changes. The study only tracked families for a short time, so we don’t know if the benefits would last longer. Also, only 19% of families continued using the program after the free trial, which is a low number, so more research is needed to figure out how to help families keep using it

The Bottom Line

If you qualify for government food assistance and have trouble affording fresh fruits and vegetables, ask your child’s doctor about discount produce programs in your area. These programs can help you buy more healthy food for your family. However, be aware that you may need to solve transportation challenges to use the program regularly. Healthcare providers and policymakers should consider offering free trials of these programs and addressing transportation barriers to help more families benefit from them. Confidence level: Moderate—this is early research, and larger studies are needed to confirm these findings

This research is most relevant to families with children who receive government food assistance (SNAP) and want to eat more fruits and vegetables but struggle with cost. It’s also important for pediatricians and other healthcare providers who want to help their patients eat healthier. Policymakers and program administrators should care about this research because it shows a practical way to increase awareness and use of existing discount produce programs. This research is less relevant to families who already have good access to affordable produce or who don’t receive government food assistance

Based on this study, families who used the free trial reported immediate improvements in their ability to eat more fruits and vegetables (within weeks). Early signs of improved food security appeared during the intervention period. However, long-term benefits would likely take several months to become noticeable in children’s overall health and nutrition. To see sustained benefits, families would need to continue using the program for at least several months

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly fruit and vegetable servings consumed by your family. Set a goal (for example, 5 servings per day) and log what your family eats each day. Also track which discount produce programs you use and how much money you save
  • Use the app to set reminders for when discount produce programs are available or when you plan to shop. Create a shopping list in the app of fruits and vegetables you want to buy, and track which ones your children actually eat. You could also use the app to find transportation options to stores that accept the discount program
  • Over 3-6 months, track trends in your family’s fruit and vegetable consumption, money spent on produce, and overall food security. Note any barriers you face (like transportation) and solutions you find. Share this information with your doctor to help them understand what’s working and what challenges remain

This research is a preliminary feasibility study and should not be considered definitive medical or nutritional advice. The findings are based on a small group of families in one state and have not yet been confirmed in larger studies. While the program shows promise, individual results may vary. Before making significant changes to your family’s diet or food purchasing habits, consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. This study does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about your eligibility for SNAP benefits or discount produce programs, contact your local SNAP office or healthcare provider for guidance.