What happens when fresh produce is delivered directly to people who need it most?
A recent study conducted by seniors in the Biology Department at the University of St. Thomas helped answer that question. By surveying participants in BrightSide’s Food as Medicine program, the students found strong evidence that reliable access to fresh fruits and vegetables can improve nutrition, food security, and overall well-being.
The findings were striking:
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100% of participants reported eating more fruits and vegetables while participating in the program.
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90% said they felt more food secure.
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80% reported that their health had improved.
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80% preferred having produce delivered directly to their homes rather than picking it up elsewhere—even knowing they could receive a larger quantity through a pickup model.
That last finding is especially important. Food access isn’t only about whether healthy food exists, it’s also about whether people can realistically get it. Transportation, work schedules, childcare responsibilities, mobility challenges, and health concerns all affect whether fresh food is truly accessible.
BrightSide’s Food as Medicine program was intentionally designed to remove those barriers by bringing produce directly to participants’ doorsteps. The study suggests that convenience isn’t simply a bonus, it is a critical part of making healthy food consistently accessible.
These findings reinforce what BrightSide has believed from the beginning: investing in fresh produce is an investment in health. When nutritious food is affordable, reliable, and easy to access, people eat more fruits and vegetables, feel more food secure, and report better health.
We’re grateful to the University of St. Thomas students for helping measure the impact of this work and to the healthcare partners, funders, and supporters who make the program possible.
Together, we’re demonstrating that Food as Medicine isn’t just an idea. It’s a practical, effective way to improve health and strengthen our communities, one produce delivery at a time.