NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2025
New Study in Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development Reveals Farm‐Based Produce Prescription Program Boosts Food Security and Community Health
Waltham, MA. — An innovative mixed-methods case study, Growing community, food sovereignty, and health, published in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, shows how a groundbreaking, farm-based produce prescription program—VegRx—meaningfully improves food access, dietary habits, and community well-being in Waltham, Massachusetts.
The study, led by researchers from Brandeis University, explores how VegRx connects local healthcare providers and Waltham Fields Community Farm (WFCF) to deliver fresh, culturally relevant produce directly to people experiencing food insecurity and diet related health conditions. Participants received “produce
prescriptions” enrolling them in a free vegetable and fruit share program, along with support from farmers and clinicians throughout the growing season.
Key Findings Include:
● Increased access to desired, locally grown foods that align with cultural and dietary preferences.
● Significant improvements in fruit and vegetable consumption and self-reported health.
● Strengthened relationships between farmers, healthcare providers, and community members,
leading to greater trust and food system resilience.
“Produce prescription programs [PPP] - like VegRx - are an innovative strategy for improving population health. As part of the "Food Is Medicine" approach, PPP aims to increase access to healthy food for individuals who are food insecure and experiencing (or at risk for) diet-related illness. Our study shows that partnerships
between clinics and community farms can bring healthy, local food to individuals who might not otherwise have access and that improved access is associated with strong positive outcomes for nutrition and self-rated physical and mental health.” Dr. Sara Shostak, Lead researcher and Professor of Sociology and Health: Science, Society, and Policy at Brandeis University.
Centering Community and Food Sovereignty. What sets VegRx apart is its grounding in community-based agriculture and its commitment to food sovereignty. Unlike retail-based produce prescription programs, VegRx fosters deeper relationships—between people and the land, and between patients, providers, and growers. “The mission of WFCF guides us to consider the barriers in accessing locally grown and healthy food, as well as create a place and connection to the land and the people who work and gather at community farms.
"WFCF’s VegRx program addresses access, health and disease but also the elements that impact a person’s quality of life and sense of community.” WFCF Executive Director, Stacey Daley
Seasonal farm distributions offered more than just fresh produce—they also served as spaces for connection, wellness, and shared learning. A VegRx participant shares: “I saved seeds from the vegetables I received and now have my own little garden in my yard to grow my own produce and teach my young daughter.”
A Scalable Model for Food Justice and Health Equity. This study highlights how integrating clinical care with local food systems can advance both health equity and local agriculture. This is echoed by Klavdia Brisson, DNP, Chief Clinical Officer of Charles River Community Health, the collaborating organization for Veg RX, “As community health center practitioners, we understand that our
patients can face structural challenges in accessing and following up on the care we provide. Through VegRx and our partnership with Waltham Fields Community Farm, we are not just clinically advising patients to improve nutrition for their health, but actually providing them the means to access the fresh produce and nutritional education that will support their health goals. The partnership opens opportunities for patients to make positive diet and lifestyle changes, connect to the local community, and all the health (and other!) benefits that flow from increased nutrition and engagement.” The authors recommend expanding evaluation frameworks and funding to support partnerships between farms and care providers nationwide.
“Funding evidence-based programs is a key goal of Mount Auburn Hospital’s Community Benefits Program.” says Mary DeCourcey, Director, Community Benefits at Mount Auburn Hospital.
“The findings of this paper confirm the positive impact VegRx has on the health of our community, and the potential for Produce Prescription programs to help us in our mission to create healthier families.“Waltham Fields Community Farm is advancing a community-rooted solution to food insecurity—one that nurtures health, connection, and dignity,” said Joyce Vyriotes, Executive Director of Cummings Foundation.“We’re delighted to help accelerate the critical efforts of VegRx as it expands access to nourishing food and strengthens the systems that support community well-being.”
About Waltham Fields Community Farm Waltham Fields Community Farm (WFCF) is the business name of Community Farms Outreach, a 501c3
agricultural and educational organization, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, in operation since 1995. Waltham Fields Community Farm cultivates sustainable and equitable relationships between people, their food supply, and the land from which it grows. We envision communities with equitable access to the beauty,
sanctuary, and food of local, sustainable farms. [url=https://communityfarms.org/]https://communityfarms.org/[/url]
Contact information
Amanda Smith, Development Director, Waltham Fields Community Farm, Amanda@Communityfarms.org
781-899-2403 x 25
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