Participants in a Cornwall-based veg box pilot scheme have reported improved blood sugar, weight and wellbeing following GP referral to free programme
Participants in a Cornwall-based scheme providing free veg boxes to people with diabetes have reported improvements in their blood sugar levels, weight and feeling of wellbeing, according to a report by The Guardian.
WellFed is a ‘veg-on-prescription’ pilot programme designed for patients at risk of or with early-stage type 2 diabetes.
Participants are given free weekly veg boxes for 12 weeks, alongside access to group cooking and gardening sessions.
Launched in 2025, the initiative is run by the WellFed Network, a collaborative group of healthcare professionals, food growers and community partners.
One participant, Chris Longthorp, 74, said his blood glucose level had dropped from 50 to 42 on the scheme.
“I feel fitter and coming to these sessions is fun,” he told the paper.
Other participants reported enjoying preparing the meals more than they had anticipated, while also highlighting the social and wellbeing benefits of the cooking and gardening sessions.
Patients have been nominated by more than 20 GP surgeries across Cornwall. So far, 79 people across 13 locations have taken part. The programme also aims to reach 120 participants through 20 place-based pilots by the end of 2026.
An interim evaluation from the Centre of Climate Change and Social Transformation also highlighted encouraging early findings.
Mark Wilson, WellFed academic research led and author of the report, said: “The initial findings from our evaluation of the WellFed programme are very encouraging.
“WellFed participants described eating a healthier diet, feeling more confident about their health condition and how to manage it, and how their wellbeing improved during the pilot.
“The findings also indicate a reduction in type 2 diabetes risk, although more evidence is needed to confirm this,” he added.
A full evaluation of impacts and return on investment is expected in early spring 2027, with potential for the scheme to be rolled out more extensive if results are positive.
The pilot programme is believed to be the first of its kind in England, and is delivered by Volunteer Cornwall, which receives council and NHS funding.
