New Study Demonstrates Positive Health Impact of Mid-Ohio Farmacy Program

New Study Demonstrates Positive Health Impact of Mid-Ohio Farmacy Program

John Lowrey, Northeastern University

Policy Brief 2024-4

January, 2025

Newly published research in the Journal of Operations Management shows promising results of the Mid-Ohio Farmacy program. The study found the program helps stabilize patient health outcomes and curbs the progressive risk of chronic conditons. 

What is Mid-Ohio Farmacy?

Mid-Ohio Farmacy is a partnership between Mid-Ohio Food Collectuve and local health care providers that seeks to improve health through better food access. Patients referred to the Farmacy program can come once per week to a partcipating food pantry in central Ohio to pick up fresh produce for themselves and their household. No appointment is necessary, and there is no cost to the patient. Providers can refer food-insecure patients whose income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL = gross income at or below $31,200 for a family of four), the threshold for receiving services at a food pantry.