Insights from the EAT–Lancet Commission Report and What They Mean for Our Work

The latest findings from the EAT-Lancet Commission Report on Food Systems reinforce something Project FoodBox sees every day: nutrition is one of the most powerful tools available to improve health, strengthen communities, and reduce the cost of chronic disease.

While the report provides a global diagnosis, its conclusions align directly with the work being done locally through our medically tailored nutrition programs. Below is a clear look at how the science aligns with the mission and impact of Project FoodBox.

1. The World’s Healthiest Diets Share a Common Pattern

And It’s the Same Pattern Our Dietitians Use to Design Every Box

The EAT–Lancet Commission highlights that the most beneficial diets emphasize:

• Whole grains over refined grains
• Fruits and vegetables in generous amounts
• Plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts, and pulses
• Lower levels of red/processed meats and added sugars
• Unsaturated fats instead of saturated fats

Project FoodBox’s nutrition plans fully reflect this guidance. Our dietitians design medically tailored produce boxes that support diverse clinical needs:

• Diabetes Support: Low-glycemic vegetables, legumes, whole fruits
• Cardiac Support: Heart-healthy produce and naturally low-sodium ingredients
• Renal Support: Lower-potassium fruits and vegetables to support kidney health
• Immune Support: Antioxidant-rich produce like berries, citrus, and cruciferous vegetables

These patterns directly mirror the recommendations of the “Planetary Health Diet,” grounding our program in globally validated nutrition science.

2. Nutrition Is a Root Cause of Chronic Disease—And a Direct Pathway to Prevention

The report makes one point unmistakably clear: poor diet quality is now among the leading contributors to preventable disease worldwide. Project FoodBox provides a practical, clinically aligned response:

• Free access to medically tailored food for eligible Medi-Cal members
• Weekly delivery of 15–18 lbs of fresh produce for up to 24 weeks
• Culturally relevant recipes and nutrition guidance included in every box
• Registered dietitian assessments to match foods with medical conditions

Food-as-Medicine programs like ours have been linked to dramatic reductions in chronic disease risk, including:

• 40% lower diabetes-related risks
• 34.6% reduction in heart disease
• 18.8% reduction in stroke
• 18.7% reduction in hypertension

This is prevention where it matters most—in the home, at the dinner table, and within communities facing the highest barriers to care.

3. A Healthier Food System Also Protects the Planet

Local Sourcing and Waste Reduction Are Key

The EAT–Lancet report warns that global food systems have already exceeded six of nine planetary boundaries—driving climate change, water depletion, biodiversity loss, and nutrient pollution. Reducing food waste and strengthening regional food networks are two of the report’s top recommendations. Project FoodBox is already acting on these principles:

• Produce is sourced from local, multi-generational family farms, reducing transportation emissions.
• Farm-to-door delivery happens within 48 hours, supporting freshness and lowering waste.
• Surplus and cosmetically imperfect produce is redirected to members instead of landfills.

With roughly 40% of U.S. food going uneaten, this model not only nourishes families—it protects natural resources and reinforces local agriculture.

4. Nutrition Equity Is a Global Challenge—and Our Central Focus

According to the EAT–Lancet findings, only 1% of the world’s population lives in countries that meet both health and environmental standards for diet. Meanwhile, millions struggle with affordability and access. This reality mirrors what many Project FoodBox communities face today:

• 44.2 million Americans live in food-insecure households
• Only 12.2% meet daily fruit intake recommendations
• Only 9.3% meet vegetable intake recommendations

Project FoodBox helps close this gap by delivering:

• Free, home-delivered produce for eligible Medicaid members
• Easy enrollment through virtual assessments
• 24-week nutrition journeys tailored to chronic disease needs
• Support for communities with the highest barriers to access

Equity is not an outcome—it’s a design principle of our entire model.

5. Food as Medicine Is a Systems-Level Solution, Not an Add-On

The EAT–Lancet Commission argues that dietary change, waste reduction, climate resilience, and health equity must be addressed together—not in isolation. This integrated approach is already built into the Project FoodBox model.

Our system spans:

• Clinical integration: Providers and RDNs guide enrollment and nutrition therapy
• Local agriculture: Partner farms supply fresh produce every week
• Data-driven design: Programs reflect evidence-based nutrition science
• Scalable delivery infrastructure: 50,000+ members served, 375,000 lbs delivered weekly
• Continuous improvement: Outcomes are monitored and programs adjusted accordingly

This is what it looks like when global scientific consensus translates into local, measurable action.

Conclusion

The Science Is Clear. The Mission Is Urgent. The Impact Is Local.

The EAT–Lancet Commission outlines a vision for healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable food systems. Project FoodBox turns that vision into reality across communities from California to New York, one medically tailored box at a time.

By connecting families with fresh produce, supporting local farmers, reducing waste, and partnering with healthcare providers, we are building a model of nutrition-powered healthcare that improves lives today and strengthens systems for tomorrow.