Calgary, Alberta: Could a doctor’s prescription be the key to access subsidized health food plans in Alberta? This intriguing question is at the heart of a research study aimed at evaluating the impact on patients dealing with diabetes. The initiative is spearheaded by Sarah Offin, and her findings have the potential to alleviate the financial burden for those with dietary restrictions, particularly when faced with rising grocery costs.
Dana Olstad, an associate professor at the University of Calgary and a registered dietician, identifies a critical issue: “The root cause for so many people with diabetes is that they don’t have enough healthy food. They can’t afford the healthy food they need to manage their blood sugars.”
To address this challenge, Olstad is launching a year-long trial. The study’s primary focus is to investigate the consequences of providing dietary advice and a weekly subsidy of $10.50 per person in the volunteer’s household.
Olstad explains, “If you think about it, food is very cheap. Health care is very expensive. Theoretically, it should help to offset a lot of health-care costs.”
As of now, 400 individuals have been enlisted to participate in this groundbreaking research, but an additional 100 volunteers are still required. To qualify, applicants must have type-2 diabetes and experience food insecurity, underlining the study’s commitment to helping those who need it the most.
The exploration of doctor-prescribed healthy food subsidies signifies a potential shift in how health and nutrition are intertwined, offering hope to individuals who struggle with the financial barriers to accessing the nourishing food necessary for managing their health conditions.
