In the wake of recent research revealing the potential life-saving and cost-saving benefits of Food is Medicine (FIM) programs in the United States, healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente and grocery delivery innovator Instacart have unveiled a collaborative study aimed at assessing the influence of convenient access to nutritious food on individuals’ health.
This article marks the third installment in our Food is Medicine content mini-series.
Kaiser Permanente, recognized as the largest integrated non-profit healthcare provider in the US, has revealed its partnership with Instacart in a groundbreaking endeavor. The study is designed to gauge the effects of using food as medicine among members of Kaiser Permanente’s Medi-Cal program in both northern and southern California. Participants in the study exhibit diet-related illnesses, such as diabetes and chronic heart failure, among other conditions.
Under the study’s framework, eligible participants will receive Instacart Health Fresh Funds, which are grocery allowances specifically designated for the purchase of “nutritious foods and pantry staples.” These items encompass a range of options, including fresh and frozen produce, plant-based oils, and spices, all accessible via Kaiser Permanente’s tailored Instacart Virtual Storefront.
Sarah Mastrorocco, Instacart’s Vice President and General Manager of Instacart Health, emphasized the importance of improved access to nutrition in enhancing health outcomes. She stated, “We know access can lead to better health outcomes, and we’re proud to partner with Kaiser Permanente to demonstrate the positive impact that nutrition security and food as medicine can have on a patient’s overall health and wellbeing.”
This collaboration holds the promise of providing valuable insights into the potential for nutrition to play a pivotal role in holistic healthcare, particularly for individuals grappling with diet-related illnesses. The study’s outcomes may offer new strategies for healthcare providers and policymakers to prioritize nutrition as a fundamental component of overall health and well-being.
