Abstract
BACKGROUND: Food insecurity and poor dietary intake contribute to health disparities, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Produce prescription programs aim to improve access to fruits and vegetables (F&V) for those with diet-sensitive conditions, but comparative effectiveness data are limited. OBJECTIVE: To compare the impact of two produce prescription strategies, NutriConnect Credit (grocery coupons) and NutriConnect Delivery (home-delivered F&V boxes), on dietary intake, food security, and health outcomes among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations who have been recently hospitalized with diet-sensitive conditions. METHODS: In this three-arm pilot trial, recently hospitalized adults with food or financial insecurity and elevated cardiovascular risk were randomized (1:1:1) to Credit, Delivery, or enhanced usual care. The primary outcome is between group difference in change in F&V intake at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include food security and self-reported health-related quality of life. Implementation outcomes are assessed using the PRISM/RE-AIM framework. CONCLUSION: NutriConnect seeks to provide evidence on the effectiveness and feasibility of two produce prescription strategies to inform scalable "Food is Medicine" programs targeting nutrition-related health disparities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06263751.