Prescribing Health: The Case for Expanding Food Prescription Programs to College Campuses

This blog is written by:

Aidan Murray: Aidan is a member of Swipe Out Hunger’s Student Leadership and Advisory Council and a junior at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA pursuing degrees in public policy and economics. He is currently the co-president of HawkHUB, St. Joe’s basic needs and resource center. Aidan is also an intern with The Food Trust, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit, working on healthy food financing initiatives. Upon graduation, Aidan is looking to pursue a career in community economic development.

In a country where food insecurity and diet-related illnesses increasingly burden individuals and healthcare systems alike, food prescription programs emerge as a vital solution. These programs allow healthcare providers to prescribe fruits and vegetables to individuals facing food insecurity or managing diet-related health conditions. These prescriptions can be redeemed at participating local markets, grocery stores, or through direct distribution points like community centers or schools. This innovative approach could be an effective tool for college campuses in fighting food insecurity and promoting student wellness.

Food Prescription Programs: A Proven Success
Food Prescription Programs (FPPs) bridge crucial gaps between healthcare and nutrition, harnessing the therapeutic power of food. One program in Charleston, MS, for example, demonstrates significant health improvements among participants, including reductions in diabetes symptoms and better management of chronic illnesses through enhanced access to fresh produce. 

Beyond immediate health improvements, the long term social and economic advantages of these programs are compelling:

• Reduced Healthcare Costs: A 2021 study focusing on diabetes-related health outcomes showed that participants in FPPs see decreased emergency room visits and lower medical costs related to dietary complications. This reduction in healthcare expenditures underscores the cost-saving potential of these interventions.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Implementation of these programs can be incredibly cost-effective. For instance, a pilot program in Texas reported a participation cost of just $12 per person, covering produce, educational materials, and personnel, demonstrating the economic efficiency of these programs.
• Direct Economic Benefits to Participants: The same Texas pilot program highlighted participants saving an average of $57 per week on groceries, significantly alleviating financial strain and enhancing food security for low-income families.

This holistic approach not only saves costs but also improves lives, making FPPs programs a smart, necessary, and sustainable healthcare solution.

Extending the Benefits to College Students
The success of FPPs in various communities suggests a compelling case for their implementation in a demographic often overlooked: college students. Food insecurity and access to produce is a significant issue on college campuses across the nation. A study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research found that 44% of students reported food insecurity, highlighting an urgent need for solutions that go beyond traditional food banks.

Implementing more FPPs for college students and potentially on college campuses could address a critical gap by ensuring students have regular access to nutritious food, which is often scarce in campus environments. Many campuses have limited options for fresh foods, making it difficult for students to maintain a balanced diet essential for their physical and cognitive development. By providing consistent access to fruits and vegetables, deliberate FPPs for students through primary care practitioners or through campus health centers could significantly improve students’ academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. Similar to their impact in community settings, where they help manage health conditions and enhance quality of life, FPPs for college students could become a cornerstone in supporting students’ holistic needs.

A Call to Action
The evidence is clear: food prescription programs work. They enhance access to nutritious food, reduce healthcare costs by improving health outcomes, and offer educational opportunities about healthy eating habits. By expanding these programs to include college campuses, we can address food insecurity in a setting where folks are pressured to perform well while balancing multiple responsibilities.

Colleges and universities, in partnership with a broader coalition of food prescription initiatives, have a unique opportunity to innovate student health services by integrating food prescriptions into their campus health offerings. This could be a game-changer for public health and a crucial step toward equity in health and education. Let’s not just treat the symptoms of food insecurity and poor nutrition; let’s prevent them by prescribing the most natural solution of all: food.

Aidan is a member of Swipe Out Hunger’s Student Leadership and Advisory Council (SLAAC), a cohort of food security student leaders who share ideas and engage in community building opportunities. Explore opportunities to connect with other student leaders in our national network here.