Projected Dietary Impact of a Tax on Unhealthy Packaged Food Among Children and Adolescents in the Philippines

6.4%) or diabetic and/or pre-hypertensive (systolic 120-139 mmHg or diastolic 80-89 mmHg) or hypertensive and had experienced food insecurity in the past year.Medicaid patients were evaluated at baseline and at 6 months for changes in HbA1c and blood pressure levels.Evaluation data were also collected on fruit/vegetable consumption (both self-reported and skin carotenoid levels), food security, and knowledge regarding purchasing, storing, and preparing produce and their health benefits.Results: Enrollment at baseline included 52 patients, mean age 43 years, with an average household size of 4 members and about 58% who use SNAP benefits.49 participants completed the program at 6 months.Of those with values at both timepoints, 63% improved HbA1c levels, 43% improved systolic blood pressure, 47% improved diastolic blood pressure, and 31% reported enhanced food security.Mean HbA1c levels decreased from 5.95% to 5.89%.Additionally, mean systolic blood pressure was 127 mmHg at baseline and 128 mmHg at 6 months, while mean diastolic pressure decreased from 82 to 79 mmHg.Mean skin carotenoid scores improved slightly but were still critically low (139 to 183).Approximately $27,900 was distributed for participants to purchase fresh produce and patients redeemed $25,337 or 91%.Most participants report the program is easy to use, were consuming >75% of the produce purchased with an overall increase of 0.65 cups/day.Many patients shared that they used what they learned in the nutrition education sessions to incorporate more produce into their diet.Conclusions: The produce prescription program is working to improve health outcomes, food security, and fruit and vegetable intake.