By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

Strawberry Fields Forever was an original ballad written by John Lennon for the Beatles. It was released on February 13, 1967.  The song was considered a departure from the classic Beatles songs and many felt it ushered in the psychedelic genre. After Lennon’s death, 2.5 acres of Central Park in New York City known as Strawberry Fields was dedicated to his memory.

Science provides insight on so many aspects about our lives and the influence of health and happiness.  These different aspects can include food, relationships, passions and laughter.

One example is a new movement to educate the public about how food is a medicine for health. The food is medicine (FIM) movement aims to bring more components of nutrition into the healthcare system.  

The movement has been targeting pharmacies and pharmacists to get involved and help with promoting food as a source of medicine and not just pills alone. Most individuals have access to a pharmacy close by with extended hours including weekends. This access creates a unique opportunity to educate on nutrition and be part of the movement.

The links between overall health and nutrition are well known for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, obesity and certain cancers.  An article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine estimates about 50% of adults in the United States have at least 1 nutrition-related chronic disease in which diet and exercise are at least as effective as medicines.  

The increase in fruits and vegetables is probably the best-known data including a 27% reduction in heart disease.  The American Heart Association found 12% of adults meet the 4 servings of fruit each day, while only 9% hit the vegetable target of 5 servings a day.  One of the most significant barriers to achieving these goals is the cost and access to fruits and vegetables.  The FIM movement is trying ways to overcome these barriers.

A 2023 study published in JAMA Health Forum estimated nutrition-related health issues cost the US economy over 1.1 trillion dollars each year and is the leading cause of death. Many organizations including the federal government are starting to realize the challenges not only to medication access, but access to nutritional important foods.  

A 2019 study in JAMA Internal Medicine evaluated the provision of medically tailored meals and its impact on hospital admissions and overall medical spending.  The meals were designed by registered dietitians specific for each person in the study.  The study showed a decrease in admissions to the hospital and skilled nursing facilities as well as a reduction in medical spending. 

On January 31, 2024, the US Department of Health and Human Services hosted the first Food in Medicine Summit.  This meeting brought experts together to discuss opportunities to combine efforts between public and private organizations to change the lack of access to healthy foods.  Some of the partnerships included Feeding America, Instacart, and the Rockefeller Foundation. 

Since 88.9% of the US population is located within 5 miles of a community pharmacy, the summit included pharmacy stakeholders.  The CEO of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores attended the conference and discussed their relationship with the Milken Institute to explore how pharmacies could be involved in FIM.  

Other programs have focused on physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and dietitians providing prescriptions for fruits and vegetables. Other strategies included issuing prescriptions good at farm markets or having produce boxes available at hospitals, clinics, and food pantries after appointments.  

Don’t be surprised if your pharmacy dispenses strawberries instead of pills one day!

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ONU Healthwise Pharmacy
419-772-3784