The American Heart Association has awarded nearly $1.2 million in planning grants to 12 scientific researchers to develop and test innovative 'food is medicine' interventions aimed at treating, managing, and preventing chronic diseases driven by unhealthy dietary patterns. These clinical trial planning grants will support researchers in creating detailed protocols to examine how interventions such as produce prescriptions and medically tailored groceries and meals could effectively address health conditions. The initiative comes at a critical time, with an estimated 90% of the United States' $4.5 trillion annual healthcare expenditure spent on treating diet-related chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
Kevin Volpp, M.D., Ph.D., the scientific lead for the Health Care by Food initiative, emphasized the importance of developing research that insurers might consider when making coverage decisions. The grants provide researchers with direct funding for a one-year project period, enabling them to design, plan, and prepare documentation for potential larger-scale clinical trials. The American Heart Association has already funded 23 small-scale clinical trials to strengthen food is medicine research by incorporating human-centered design and behavioral science principles. These ongoing studies aim to improve program engagement, participant retention, and overall health outcomes.
Volpp noted that the research will help identify the most effective food is medicine interventions for specific populations, with results potentially informing future insurance coverage decisions. Researchers are expected to develop rigorous proposals for funding from government agencies, industry partners, or foundations. The Health Care by Food initiative, launched in 2022, is supported by funding from organizations including The Rockefeller Foundation, Kroger, Elevance Health, Instacart, Kaiser Permanente, and the Walmart Foundation. By investing in research, advocacy, and education, the initiative seeks to integrate cost-effective food-based approaches into healthcare for individuals with chronic diseases or those at high risk.
