Prescribing Produce: How FarmRx Can Reverse America’s Chronic Disease Crisis
- Ethan Hamilton
- Aug 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 11
America is facing a chronic health crisis—one that’s not only straining our healthcare systems and increasing healthcare expenditures, but threatening the pursuit of the American Dream. Chronic disease, fueled by the interconnection of food insecurity, lifestyle changes, genetic
factors, and societal forces has quietly grown into a public health emergency. But within this crisis lies a simple, yet powerful, opportunity for reformation—and the answer lies in our food supply.
Chronic disease is a burgeoning topic in the cultural zeitgeist within the United States. It has gained a newfound resurgence in awareness, becoming a central focus from agencies at the highest level, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health. Chronic disease is an umbrella term, used to describe diseases, disorders, and conditions that develop to last longer than 3 months and are often life-long. Notable examples of chronic diseases include: obesity, type II diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, hypertension, cancer—among others. While all of these conditions fall under the chronic disease umbrella, some remain more common than others, and can occur simultaneously, resulting in many Americans having to manage multiple chronic conditions. The level of financial, mental, physical, and spiritual strain that this causes cannot be understated, as managing these conditions often demands more appointments, medications, and pain management.
Data shows that our healthcare system in its current capacity, which operates more on a treatment-centered model than a preventative approach, faces challenges in effectively addressing the chronic disease epidemic. The CDC reported in 2024 that an average of 129 million people in the United States has at least one chronic disease (1). Given the United States’ population is estimated to be around 340 million people in 2024, that means more than 2 in 6 people (or a rate of 38%) have at least one chronic health condition. A graph from the Peterson-Kaiser Family Foundation shows national health expenditures have risen dramatically since 1970—from $74.1 billion to a staggering $4.9 trillion in 2023 (9). While chronic disease is not the only reason for this increase, and the percentage allocated to its management varies by year, it raises an important question: Why have health outcomes dramatically worsened despite such high spending?
This disconnect is a grave concern, as the more time Americans spend managing chronic disease-related symptoms, the less time they can focus on what makes life truly meaningful—like spending time with loved ones, pursuing personal interests, and contributing to their communities. The chronic disease epidemic is not just a health crisis; it is a national security issue, as the physical, mental, and spiritual health of our citizens should be of utmost concern, as it is a primary predictor of national progress and strength as a nation.
The chronic disease risk in our nation's children is of particular interest. Recent CDC data suggest that childhood rates of type II diabetes—which used to be a rarity—have risen from 9 per 100,000 in 2002 to 17.9 per 100,000 in 2017 (2). This sharp increase reflects more than just medical trends—it signals a broader societal shift in nutrition, activity, and access. Something is driving this surge and is robbing children of healthy futures—filled with their hopes, dreams, and goals. Clearly, a solution is needed that begins early, harnessing preventative measures before chronic disease onset.
The current U.S. medical system has made remarkable advancements in treatment, particularly in acute and emergency care—areas in which it is widely recognized and has saved countless lives. However, like all complex systems, opportunities exist to continue evolving alongside changing health needs. One area of growing interest is the role of preventive care and strategies that support long-term health outcomes. When used alongside treatment and pharmaceutical interventions, preventive approaches offer additional pathways to support individuals in managing chronic conditions. Strengthening the focus on prevention—while continuing to build on existing treatment excellence—can contribute to a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to health.
Building on this foundation, one comprehensive solution is addressing food insecurity. Food insecurity is a major contributor to chronic disease predisposition and development. Without reliable access to healthy, nutritious, and fresh foods, entire communities are at risk—and the opportunity to live a healthier life is diminished before it can even begin. At the same time, the average American diet relies heavily on foods laden with ultra-processed ingredients and additives, and in many regions throughout the United States, are more accessible than fresh food options. Shifting dietary habits away from ultra-processed foods, which have little to no nutritional value, to balanced and nutritious foods has been shown to prevent chronic diseases like type II diabetes from progressing (3, 4). One promising approach to support this shift toward needed treatment, is the FarmRX produce-prescription program.
FarmRX invokes a powerful approach to chronic disease prevention, as it can be seamlessly integrated into routine primary care visits. Physicians can “prescribe” fresh food and produce to those suffering from chronic illness or those with predisposed genetic factors to chronic diseases, to supplement nutrition and provide relief from food insecurity. This program is often accomplished through vouchers, coupons, or electronic benefits transfers (EBT) that can be used at local farmers' markets or grocery stores. These programs, if widely adopted in our healthcare system, have the potential to transform the lives of many, especially those in rural areas, who already live in socioeconomic food deserts. To ensure meaningful access, implementation also must include an expansion of mobile food pantries and farmers markets to ensure food-insecure families have access and experience the full benefits of these programs.
In the context of type II diabetes, FarmRX and related fresh food programs have demonstrated promising results. One study found that participation in such programs led to an average reduction in A1c levels by 0.7% after 6–8 months (5). Since A1c reflects how well blood sugar is regulated over time, reducing it is key to preventing complications and slowing disease progression. These findings underscore the value of integrating nutrition-focused interventions into standard healthcare as part of a broader strategy to address chronic disease.
Nevertheless, programs like these still face funding challenges. Financial support is often complex and inconsistent as it varies by region—reliant on a multitude of sources that may not always offer long-term stability. Some local and state funding allocations have been used to support these programs, often with the combination of existing nutritional initiatives at the state-level, while others rely on donations, fundraisers, or community sponsorships. Federal funding has also been used, such as the United States Department of Agriculture's Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP). However, significant gaps in funding remain in many key areas, including local and state-level funding—hindering our ability to meaningfully address food insecurity on a national scale, and especially in rural states like West Virginia. Therefore, continued efforts to diversify funding sources is essential for sustainable growth and nationwide impact, as we need to address food insecurity on a larger and more meaningful scale (6, 7, 8).
Expanding access to programs like FarmRX will require a united effort—uniting people across political, socioeconomic, and cultural lines to spearhead the evolution of health in America. Grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in this movement, from following health policy developments, to contacting state and federal representatives. One promising approach includes creating incentives for physicians to focus on preventive care and measurable health outcomes. Supporting prevention alongside traditional treatment could help diversify the healthcare system by expanding the range of effective care options available to patients. Incentivizing produce-prescription programs like FarmRX and adding them to a provider’s toolbelt, expands the spectrum of care—especially when integrated into private and public insurance carriers. By mass-adopting these programs, we can eliminate barriers and increase their size and scope.
Programs like the similarly named FarmboxRX have already demonstrated
impact—operating in partnership with Medicaid and Medicare across all 50 states. However, FarmboxRX often requires private support, as partnerships with government organizations don't always cover full implementation costs, as reported in media outlets (10). To date, the company, founded by Ashley Tyrner, has reached over 2.5 million households nationwide. This reach shows there is a need and demand for these prevention-oriented, food-as-medicine programs in the healthcare marketplace. With over 78.6 million Americans enrolled in Medicaid, with many of them food insecure, more widespread access for a fully scaled food-as-medicine program is needed for full implementation, especially targeting rural communities, who continually suffer disproportionately. Our future as a nation depends on being as healthy as we can be, and it will take deliberate focus and a willingness to be open to ways we can improve health outcomes. In light of this, chronic disease is an epidemic that can be successfully combated, but only if we recognize the personal, and societal ramifications, should we let the status-quo remain.
As we consider the future of healthcare, we would do well to remember President John F. Kennedy’s words, “change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” The chronic disease crisis demands that we change—how we eat, how we heal, and how we care for one another. Produce-prescription programs like FarmRX, are a bold step towards expanding our healthcare system. If we embrace this evolution, we can shift the trajectory of public health in America by nourishing not only our bodies, but the very future of our great nation.
Literature Cited
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Abbott New research on Healthy Food Rx shows reduced A1c and improved diet quality. PR Newswire. Published June 2025. Accessed July 24, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-research-on-abbotts-healthy-food-rx-program-shows-food-is-medicine-approach-helps-people-living-with-diabetes-eat-better-and-feel-healthier-302487489.html
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