Doctors in Salt Lake City prescribe food for patients

Several health programs in the U.S. are embracing the idea that food can play a key role in improving health. This trend is known as the "Food Is Medicine" movement. Under this movement, some doctors are now prescribing food to patients, helping them get access to healthier options based on their medical needs. Alma Rivera, a 35-year-old woman, is expecting her first child. During her pregnancy, she developed gestational diabetes. To help her and her baby, her doctor referred her to a food pharmacy for specialized nutrition guidance and healthy food options. Similarly, Oswald "Oz" Hutton, a 60-year-old veteran, is benefiting from nutritional education and fresh produce to manage his health issues, including hypertension and arthritis. Experts, like Dr. Amy Locke from the University of Utah Health, stress that diet plays a significant role in overall health. They note that factors influencing health can include medical care, behavior, environment, and socioeconomic status. Many health organizations and government agencies are now recognizing that better nutrition can lead to improved health outcomes. Data from a White House conference highlighted the link between diet and chronic diseases, noting that about 60% of U.S. adults suffer from conditions related to their diet. Additionally, around 18 million people face food insecurity, indicating they struggle to access enough healthy food. Various "Food Is Medicine" programs are being implemented across the country, including partnerships between the Rockefeller Foundation and the Veterans Health Administration. These programs target people with specific health conditions and provide both food and education on healthy eating. The VA recently held an event to showcase its partnership that aims to improve health among veterans. One key feature is a program that offers $100 gift cards per month for buying fruits and vegetables. The goal is to support around 2,000 veterans in managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Such initiatives not only promote better health but also aim to reduce healthcare costs. The focus is on making food prescriptions a standard part of medical treatment, which could lead to a healthier population overall. The University of Utah also educates future healthcare professionals on the importance of discussing food as part of wellness. They believe everyone should have the opportunity to talk about nutrition during medical visits.