NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 10, 2025 — A groundbreaking study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025 has revealed that providing medically tailored meals or fresh produce boxes, coupled with nutrition counseling, significantly improves the quality of life for individuals with heart failure. This research highlights the potential transformative impact of integrating healthy food access into patient care strategies for chronic conditions.
The study, conducted among 150 adults recently discharged from hospital care for heart failure, demonstrated that participants receiving food deliveries reported a higher quality of life compared to those who only received dietary counseling. However, the study noted no significant differences in hospital readmissions or emergency visits between the groups.
Understanding the Study’s Framework
The research was spearheaded by Dr. Ambarish Pandey, an associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Pandey emphasized the critical role of nutrition in managing heart failure, stating, “People need nutritious meals that can provide them with the right nutrients for optimal health, including the appropriate calorie intake, the right amount of protein, and limited sodium, sugar, and fat.”
This randomized trial involved participants divided into three groups: one receiving medically tailored meals and dietary counseling, another receiving fresh produce boxes and counseling, and a third group receiving only dietary counseling. The food delivery programs lasted for 90 days, with some participants required to pick up medications and attend follow-up appointments to qualify for food deliveries.
Key Findings and Implications
The study’s findings underscore the potential of food as a critical component in healthcare for chronic conditions. Participants in the food delivery groups reported enhanced quality of life, as measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Interestingly, those who received fresh produce reported greater satisfaction than those receiving prepared meals.
“These findings indicate the potential for healthy foods to affect outcomes and disease progression for people with chronic conditions like heart failure,” Dr. Pandey noted. “I think healthy food can be as powerful as medications for people with chronic conditions like heart failure.”
Despite these promising results, the study found no significant differences in hospital readmissions or emergency department visits among the groups. Over the 90-day study, 32 hospital readmissions and emergency visits were recorded, with 18% of participants experiencing one or more such events.
The Broader Context of Food Insecurity
Access to healthy food is increasingly recognized as a crucial social determinant of health. Current evidence links food insecurity and nutrition insecurity to higher rates of chronic health conditions and poorer outcomes. The American Heart Association’s 2025 Scientific Statement highlights the potential of “Food Is Medicine” interventions to improve diet quality and food security.
In this study, participants were predominantly middle-aged, with a median age of 60 years. The demographic breakdown included 42% identifying as Black, 33% as Hispanic, and 23% as non-Hispanic white. A significant portion of participants reported food and nutrition insecurity, as well as non-adherence to medication regimens.
Future Directions and Research
While the study’s findings are promising, its limitations include a small sample size and a short follow-up period. Dr. Pandey and his team are planning a phase 3 trial involving 1,200–1,500 participants across multiple hospitals to further explore the impact of food programs on hospitalization rates and survival outcomes.
This research was funded by the American Heart Association’s Health Care by Food™ initiative, which aims to integrate healthy food into healthcare to manage and prevent diet-related diseases. As the healthcare community continues to explore the intersection of nutrition and chronic disease management, this study provides a compelling case for the role of food in enhancing patient outcomes.
Statements and conclusions from the study reflect the perspectives of the authors and are considered preliminary until peer-reviewed publication. As the conversation around food as a critical component of healthcare evolves, this research marks a significant step in understanding and addressing the needs of patients with heart failure.
