Produce Prescription + Nutrition Education for Cardiovascular Health in Youth

This trial tests whether a program providing free fruits and vegetables, along with nutrition classes, can improve heart health in children. It targets children and teens receiving care at Boston Children's Hospital who have heart health risks such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Participants will receive a produce prescription card to purchase fruits and vegetables and attend online nutrition classes to learn healthier eating habits. This trial suits families eligible for benefits like Medicaid or SNAP who wish to improve their child's heart health. As an unphased trial, it offers families a unique opportunity to engage in innovative research focused on enhancing children's heart health.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that programs providing fruits and vegetables are generally safe and well-received. Studies indicate these programs can improve diets and health, leading to increased fruit and vegetable consumption and greater food security. These studies have found no major safety issues. Participants often experience health improvements, such as better blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These results suggest the program is safe, particularly because it uses natural foods and offers educational support.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the produce prescription and nutrition education approach for cardiovascular health in youth because it offers a unique, holistic strategy that goes beyond traditional medication or surgical interventions. Unlike standard treatments that often focus on managing symptoms, this approach empowers young individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices through education and access to fresh produce. By teaching kids about nutrition and providing them with the resources to eat better, this method targets the root causes of cardiovascular issues, potentially leading to long-lasting improvements in heart health.

This trial will evaluate the impact of a nutrition intervention arm, which includes nutrition education and a produce prescription card, on cardiovascular health in youth. Research has shown that programs providing fruit and vegetable vouchers, along with nutrition education, can greatly improve heart health. One study found that these programs increased people's fruit and vegetable consumption by about one serving per day, improving health indicators like cholesterol and blood pressure. Another review found that these vouchers improved food security and reduced heart disease risk factors in children. In children at risk, these programs have been linked to better eating habits and health outcomes. Overall, increased access to healthy foods and educational support both contribute to better heart health.¹⁴⁶⁷⁸