‘Food Is Medicine’ plus community support delivers results

When Stockton, California resident Bernetta Stewart was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she wanted to better understand how nutrition could support her long-term health.

That’s when she was introduced to Abbott's Healthy Food Rx program by a local community health worker, Karen Douglas, through the local church they attend together. With guidance from Karen and through participation in Healthy Food Rx, Bernetta gained new skills, habits and confidence in the kitchen to cook healthier.

“The food box taught me how to eat healthier and helped me maintain a better quality of life,” said Stewart. “I am now more mindful of the foods I eat and feel more confident in managing my health.”

Since participating in the program, Bernetta’s A1C, or the measure of her average blood glucose (blood sugar) level over the past 2 to 3 months, is down from 11% to 6.5%. For most adults with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C level of less than 7.0%.

She enjoys preparing meals at home with ingredients like spinach, cucumbers and green beans. More importantly, she feels empowered to make choices that support her long-term well-being.

The real-world impact of Abbott’s Healthy Food Rx program

Bernetta's experience reflects the goal of Abbott's Healthy Food Rx program, a “Food Is Medicine” initiative launched in Stockton, California.  Part of the broader Abbott Future Well Communities program that launched in 2019, this work is dedicated to finding real-life answers for the everyday challenges that prevent people from living healthy lives.

Healthy Food Rx provides home-delivered, healthy food boxes and nutrition education to help people living with diabetes. Participants receive recipes, cooking resources and nutrition education designed to help them build knowledge and confidence that can last long after the program ends.

For fellow Stockton resident Pon Thongkham, the program offered a new perspective on food and nutrition. She has been living with diabetes for six years, and through Healthy Food Rx, she gained a better understanding of food labels and ingredients, helping her feel more confident making choices for herself and her family.

“The food box program helped remind me of the types of foods I should be eating to support a long and healthy life,” said Thongkham. “I now take the time to read nutrition labels and pay close attention to the sugar and sodium content of the products I buy.”

Recent study shows benefits of community support

In a recent six-month study of Healthy Food Rx, people living with type 2 diabetes – including Bernetta and Pon – received Abbott's Healthy Food Rx food boxes, along with structured support from community health workers. Research from the study found participants reported improvements in healthy eating, physical activity, diabetes self-management, food security, and physical and mental well-being, showing even stronger health outcomes for participants in a Food Is Medicine program when paired with support from community health workers.

The community support was provided by the Asian Pacific Self-Development and Residential Association (APSARA), a Stockton-based nonprofit that offers health education, guidance and support services to residents, including its longstanding work with Southeast Asian communities, and broader outreach to Stockton’s African American & Latino communities. APSARA focuses on pairing Community Health Workers with people from the same communities and backgrounds, helping to build trust and deliver greater impact.

For Bernetta and Pon, this dedicated support and the lessons learned from the program have extended beyond their own personal habits. Bernetta says her nine grandchildren inspire her to continue eating healthily, joining her in eating more greens at dinnertime and choosing more water than sugary drinks. Pon has shared what she's learned with her family and friends, hoping to encourage healthier habits in her broader community as well.

Managing a chronic condition is an ongoing journey. But with practical resources, education and support, people can gain the knowledge and confidence to take meaningful steps toward better health.