FreshRx Oklahoma Revolutionizes Diabetes Care with Local Produce

In North Tulsa, a nonprofit initiative is reshaping the approach to chronic disease management by directing patients toward local farms rather than traditional pharmacies. FreshRx Oklahoma, established by Erin Martin, implements a yearlong produce-prescription program designed to provide bi-weekly boxes of locally sourced, regenerative produce along with nutrition education to low-income individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

The program’s effectiveness is evident in its early results. By the conclusion of its pilot year, 30 out of 40 participants noted an average reduction of approximately 2.2 percentage points in their A1C levels. As of September 2025, the broader initiative has engaged 135 participants, according to data from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This initiative not only demonstrates health improvements for individuals but also provides a consistent revenue stream for Oklahoma farmers.

FreshRx’s success is bolstered by its ability to measure critical metrics such as A1C, blood pressure, and weight at three-month intervals. The addition of on-site testing enhances the reliability of the data, which serves as a compelling argument for health plans and policymakers advocating for the concept of “food as medicine.”

Economic Benefits and Community Support

The program’s economic impact is significant. According to Oklahoma Complete Health, every $1 invested in the FreshRx model yields approximately $1.70 in returns to the local economy. Furthermore, the initiative is projected to generate substantial savings for the healthcare system. Centene, the parent company of Oklahoma Complete Health, is currently enrolling eligible SoonerSelect members in a FreshRx initiative that combines produce deliveries with cooking classes and quarterly health assessments.

FreshRx operates by collaborating with clinics that screen and refer low-income patients struggling with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. The organization manages the logistics of distributing nutrient-dense produce boxes every two weeks, supplemented with cooking demonstrations and short nutrition videos. The nonprofit prioritizes sourcing from small regenerative farms in Oklahoma and employs local residents for distribution and educational roles. Additionally, staff members assist participants in navigating benefits and arranging deliveries when transportation barriers arise.

Policy Momentum and Future Prospects

Support for the FreshRx model is gaining traction at the state policy level. The Food Is Medicine Act (SB806), enacted in 2025, instructs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to pursue federal approval for expanding Medicaid nutrition support, with an emphasis on community-based organizations and local producers. This legislative support has opened opportunities for FreshRx to engage with key figures, such as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, highlighting the connection between regenerative agriculture and diabetes management.

Advocates believe that the integration of empirical data with policy backing will determine whether produce prescriptions transition from niche programs to widely adopted practices.

For those interested in learning more about this innovative approach, Erin Martin is scheduled to speak at the Advancing Food Is Medicine conference organized by Think Regeneration in Edmond on October 20–21, 2026. The event aims to foster collaboration between farmers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to advance local food initiatives. Early-bird registration is open until July 31, 2026, and farmers can attend at no cost through support from the Oklahoma Certified Organic Association (OCIA) and USDA.

In Tulsa, supporters assert that FreshRx’s combination of tangible health outcomes and local procurement strategies is creating a compelling business case for directing healthcare funding toward nutritious food. Erin Martin emphasizes, “If we have people with the worst health outcomes, we need to give them the best food possible.” As FreshRx strengthens its partnerships with health plans, stakeholders are keenly observing whether the initial reductions in A1C levels and anticipated savings can lead to sustainable funding that benefits both patients and local producers.