Years of free plant-based groceries were linked to lower blood pressure and weight in a new study. Researchers analysed health records of 68 adults at Mass General Brigham Revere Community Health Center. The participants received an average of 97 grocery packages over 2.7 years. The packages were designed by a dietitian based on US dietary guidelines. They contained fresh fruits and vegetables, canned beans, nut butter and whole grains. The food came from the Greater Boston Food Bank and other food access groups. Each package had enough food for three meals a day for a week for each household member. The more packages people received, the larger the improvement. Every 100 packages were linked to a 3.21 mmHg drop in diastolic blood pressure. Weight fell by 2.6 kg and body mass index by 1.04 points. Among those with high blood pressure at the start, systolic pressure also fell. There was no significant improvement in blood sugar control. The study appeared in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease. First author Jacob Mirsky said high-potency food support over long periods gives patients the best chance to benefit.