Food Vouchers to Prevent Diabetes in Native American Older Adults

The Food for Health Study is testing a simple but powerful idea: what if your doctor could write a prescription for fresh produce? This program gives older Native American adults vouchers they can use at local food sources to buy fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. The goal is to help prevent type 2 diabetes and address food insecurity in rural tribal communities.

Type 2 diabetes and food insecurity affect Native American communities at much higher rates than other groups, largely because of limited access to affordable, healthy food. This treatment approach has shown promise in other communities, but researchers have not yet studied whether it works well for older Native American adults living in rural areas.