Years of Free Weekly Groceries Were Linked to Lower Blood Pressure and Weight in a Massachusetts Study

Adults who received free weekly packages of plant-based groceries for an average of 2.7 years had lower diastolic blood pressure, body weight and body mass index, and the improvements grew with the number of packages they received, according to a Mass General Brigham study reported by EurekAlert. The findings were published October 1 in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease.

68 patients, about 97 packages each

The study followed 68 adults who used the food pantry at Mass General Brigham's Revere Community Health Center, a program built around the idea of food as medicine. A dietitian designed the weekly packages, which included fresh fruits and vegetables, canned beans, nut butter and whole grains. Participants received an average of 97 packages over the study period.

What changed for every 100 packages

For every 100 packages received, diastolic blood pressure fell by an average of 3.21 mmHg, weight by 2.6 kilograms and BMI by 1.04. Systolic blood pressure dropped among participants whose readings were elevated at the start. Hemoglobin A1c, a marker of blood sugar control, did not improve significantly. Mirage News described the improvements as dose-dependent, meaning more packages were associated with bigger changes.

A before-and-after analysis, not a trial

The researchers compared participants' health data before and after the program and did not use a comparison group, so the study shows an association rather than proof that the groceries caused the changes. It also covers a small group at one clinic. Lead author Jacob Mirsky, a physician, said the team is “boldly advocating for high potency interventions that focus on frequent, high quality, high quantity food packages over long periods of time so that patients have the greatest chance of benefiting.” The results suggest that programs lasting years, rather than weeks or months, deserve a closer look for managing heart and metabolic health.