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Publication Date

5-2022

Abstract

Background: Over 13 million children are food insecure, which is associated with poorer child physical and mental health. Home delivery of produce may improve food security of low-income families. This study assessed feasibility and acceptability of leveraging a home visiting program to directly provide food to families with young children.

Objective: We completed an 8-week prospective feasibility trial of direct food provision using produce from our hospital’s community garden and regional food bank using mixed methods evaluation.

Methods: Twenty-five low-income families participating in an infant home visiting program were enrolled. Produce was harvested from the garden, combined with free food bank produce, delivered to home visitor program office weekly, and then delivered to the family’s home by home visitor. Parents completed surveys to evaluate program satisfaction using Likert scales. Results were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 participants in English or Spanish. Transcripts were coded using deductive and inductive methods, and thematic analysis completed.

Results: Overall participating families were large and diverse in race, ethnicity, and language. In total 286 bags (1900 lb) of produce were delivered (average weight of 6.8lb/bag; average 6 types of produce/bag). Over half (64%) of participants completed the survey. A majority of participants rated liking the program “very much” (94%) and they would recommend it to another family (100%). Participants reported higher intake of fruits and vegetables compared to before the program (50% “a lot more”; 44% “a little more”) and 94% tried a new food. The program cost $48.80/family for materials (i.e., bags, coolers) and delivery. Thematic analysis of interviews identified (a) food variety and delivery by a familiar person as important, (b) the need for cooking instructions/recipes for the new foods that participants tried, and (c) the positive program impact on the family food purchasing, diet, and budget.

Conclusions: Direct food provision to families enrolled in a home visiting program was acceptable to families and led to increased fruit and vegetable intake and exposure to new foods. This supports a larger trial with a comparison group to evaluate the effectiveness of improving food security and the fruit and vegetable consumption. Partnerships between healthcare institutions and community organizations serving families with young children may make initiatives to address food insecurity and the consumption of fruits and vegetables more effective and feasible.

Document Type

Poster

Feasibility Trial Of Fresh Produce Delivery To Families In Home Visiting Programs

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