In Benson, Arizona, a pilot program at Benson Hospital is testing the "food is medicine" concept by providing 16 patients suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular disease with $20 weekly debit cards to purchase locally grown produce. Partnering with over two dozen local farmers and the Arizona Department of Agriculture, the initiative aims to make high-quality, nutrition-dense food affordable and accessible through mobile markets. Early results from the grant-funded project are promising, showing improved blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels among participants, while also supporting the local agricultural economy. Proponents of the program hope to eventually expand the model and secure state-level policy changes, such as coverage through AHCCCS, to prioritize preventive healthcare over reliance on pharmaceuticals.
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