(P05-45-26) Effects of the 12-Month Food Prescription Program on Produce Consumption in the Mississippi Delta

Objectives: This study examines changes in fruit and vegetable intake over 12 months among underserved households in the Mississippi Delta who enrolled in a FoodRx food prescription program.

Methods: Eligible households had indicators of food insecurity, and/or participation in assistance programs (e.g., SNAP/WIC/Medicaid) and/or chronic disease, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or cancer. Initially, 39 households enrolled in the program in December 2022. Each household received a $70/month food punch card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables to use at a local grocery store. One adult was surveyed per household; surveys measured demographics, food security, physical activity, and produce intake (frequency) at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Produce intake was grouped into fruit and vegetable (dark green, red/orange, beans and lentils, starchy vegetables, and other) subgroups. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze produce intake changes over time. All analyses were performed in R version 4.2.2.

Results: At baseline, 39 heads of households (female = 33) with a mean age of 56.3 ± 15.1 were enrolled in the program. Among 39 participants, 38 were Black/African American and 13 were unemployed. Twelve people reported an annual household income of < $10,000. At the 6-month timepoint, 36 remained in the program and by the 12-month timepoint, 33 households completed the study. Total fruit intake increased from baseline to 6 months (p < 0.01). Total vegetables and several subgroups (total vegetables, dark green, red/orange, and starchy vegetables) also increased from baseline to 6 months (p < 0.01) and remained higher by 12 months (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Participation in a 12-month FoodRx food prescription program was associated with higher fruit and vegetable intake among an underserved Mississippi Delta cohort, with no significant changes observed for beans and lentils or other vegetables.

Funding Sources: This project was funded in part by US Department of Agriculture Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program Produce Prescription Project. (Grant number: 2022-70424-38463)