Geisinger Health's Fresh Food Farmacy

Pennsylvania

Geisinger Health's Fresh Food Farmacy aims to improve health outcomes for patients with Type II diabetes by assigning patients a comprehensive care team that "prescribes" medically-appropriate, healthy meals. Patients receive prescriptions for five days of breakfast and dinner ingredients for themselves, in addition to all members of their households. Care teams also provide recipes, instruct patients how to cook healthy meals, develop medication and treatment management plans, coordinate care and offer resources to help patients self-manage their conditions. Geisinger piloted the Fresh Food Farmacy in Shamokin, PA in 2016. It plans to expand the program to more sites in 2018. 

Partner Organizations

• The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
• The Degenstein Foundation
• The Luzerne Foundation Logos Fund
• Weis Markets

Target Population

Patients with Type II Diabetes who are food insecure

Care Team

Dietician, registered nurse health manager, pharmacist, community health assistant, health coach, primary care provider

Timeframe

2016 - present

Results/ Studies

Average HbA1c levels of program participants have decreased by 20%. The program has also been associated with improved blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure control. 

Funding

Philanthropy, Geisinger Health

Resources

Program website

Program description (KPMG/The Commonwealth Fund, March 2018)