---
title: Arizona Hospital Prescribes Fresh Food to Patients
description: Arizona hospital's pilot program prescribes fresh food to patients, improving health outcomes and supporting local farmers. Discover how nutrition is transforming healthcare.
---

[Nutrition and Health Updates - Project FoodBox ](https://projectfoodbox.org/news)

# [Arizona Hospital Prescribes Fresh Food to Patients](https://projectfoodbox.org/news/arizona-hospital-prescribes-fresh-food-to-patients)

 Written by [Admin](https://projectfoodbox.org/news/author/admin) | Dec 18, 2025 7:32:17 PM

In Benson, Arizona, a [pilot program](https://www.12news.com/article/news/community/arizona-hospital-prescribes-fresh-food-to-patients/75-399a5f4e-f0b7-43d1-a4e4-56beb8f97bf8) 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](https://www.12news.com/article/news/community/arizona-hospital-prescribes-fresh-food-to-patients/75-399a5f4e-f0b7-43d1-a4e4-56beb8f97bf8), to prioritize preventive healthcare over reliance on pharmaceuticals.

[Read the full article](https://www.12news.com/article/news/community/arizona-hospital-prescribes-fresh-food-to-patients/75-399a5f4e-f0b7-43d1-a4e4-56beb8f97bf8)

 

[View full post](https://projectfoodbox.org/news/arizona-hospital-prescribes-fresh-food-to-patients)

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