Nourishment is central to cancer treatment and recovery. Many who are affected by cancer report limited or uncertain access to nutritious food. Financial constraints can result difficult choice between food and medicine. The HOPE produce prescription program supports vulnerable cancer patients in achieving nutritional security during treatment and into survivorship. Each week, the HOPE team assembles fresh produce bags that are distributed to eligible cancer patients at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Patient Support Pavilion throughout the week.
Primary Project Goals
The project is funded by the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP)-Produce Prescription Program and has three primary goals:
One
to pilot and deliver a free produce prescription program for cancer patients and survivors who are at risk of nutritional insecurity.
Two
to provide evidence-based education on culinary medicine to complement the produce prescriptions.
Three
to evaluate the produce prescription program and contribute to national efforts to evaluate produce prescription programs across the United States.
Lessons learned through the project can be used to better integrate an awareness of food insecurity into oncology practice and ultimately reduce the financial burden that cancer places on patients and their families.
Because the study builds on a robust culinary medicine program, findings can leverage food-as-medicine programs across the country to better address food insecurity. The study aligns with nation’s strategic focus on precision nutrition. The findings will inform programs targeting other chronic diseases where secure access to nutrition can improve patient outcomes