FreshRx Transforms Diabetes Care with Local Produce in Tulsa

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a nonprofit initiative called FreshRx Oklahoma is redefining diabetes care by directing patients to local farms instead of traditional pharmacies. Founded by Erin Martin, FreshRx operates a yearlong produce-prescription program that provides bi-weekly deliveries of locally grown, regenerative produce along with hands-on nutrition education to low-income individuals struggling with type 2 diabetes.

The initiative has yielded promising health outcomes. By the end of its pilot year, 30 of 40 participants reported an average drop in their A1C levels by approximately 2.2 percentage points. As of September 2025, the program had engaged 135 participants, according to data from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The program’s systematic approach evaluates A1C, blood pressure, and weight every three months, complementing these metrics with on-site testing to enhance data accuracy.

FreshRx not only focuses on health improvements but also emphasizes the economic benefits tied to its model. According to Oklahoma Complete Health, every $1 invested in the program returns roughly $1.70 to the local economy, which is linked to significant projected savings within the healthcare system. This Medicaid plan is now enrolling eligible SoonerSelect members in a comprehensive FreshRx rollout that combines produce boxes with cooking classes and quarterly health check-ups.

How the Program Works

The process begins when clinics identify low-income patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and refer them to FreshRx. The nonprofit then manages the distribution of nutrient-rich produce boxes every two weeks, alongside providing cooking demonstrations and short nutrition videos. FreshRx commits to sourcing its produce exclusively from small regenerative farms within Oklahoma and employs local community members for distribution and educational roles. Staff members assist participants in navigating benefits and arranging delivery to ensure that access to healthy foods is not a barrier.

Policy Changes and Partnerships

State policies are increasingly aligning with initiatives like FreshRx. The Oklahoma Food Is Medicine Act (SB806), enacted in 2025, mandates the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to pursue federal approval to expand Medicaid nutrition support, prioritizing community-based organizations and local growers. Martin recently briefed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Brooke Rollins, the Secretary of Agriculture, about how FreshRx integrates regenerative agriculture with diabetes care.

Advocates believe that the combination of empirical data and legislative support will be crucial in determining whether produce prescriptions can transition from niche programs to mainstream solutions.

For those interested in further exploration, Erin Martin is scheduled to speak at the Think Regeneration Advancing Food Is Medicine conference on October 20–21, 2026, in Edmond, Oklahoma. This event aims to unite farmers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to foster local Food Is Medicine initiatives. Early-bird registration is available until July 31, 2026, and farmers can attend at no cost through support from the OCIA and USDA.

Back in Tulsa, supporters of FreshRx assert that the program’s integration of clinic-level results with a local procurement strategy is creating a compelling case for directing healthcare dollars toward healthy food options. “If we have people with the worst health outcomes, we need to give them the best food possible,” Martin stated, a phrase that resonates as her team seeks partnerships with payers and public programs. As FreshRx strengthens its collaborations with health plans, attention will turn to whether the early successes in reducing A1C levels and the projected economic savings can lead to sustainable funding that benefits both patients and local food producers.