(EA03-16-25) Delivering Medically Tailored Groceries to Adolescents and Young Adults Living With HIV

Scientific conference where the work was recently presented: FNCE (Food & Nutrition Conference and Expo) the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference

Date on which the work was previously presented at the scientific conference listed: October 8, 2024

Objectives: To increase the nutritional quality of the diets of young people living with HIV (PLHIV) through a medically tailored grocery delivery program.

Methods: A registered dietitian designed grocery lists of nutritious foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, lean proteins, nuts, oils, and spices) with associated recipes and educational materials.

Eligible participants were HAPPENS patients in the Adolescent/Young Adult outpatient clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital, ages 18-30 years old.

Groceries were delivered using Instacart® every other week from November 2022-February 2023.

A post-intervention questionnaire was sent after the final delivery to assess the success of the program.

Results: Of the 42 eligible participants, 27 PLHIV participated in the program.

For the questionnaire we had a response rate of 22/27 (81.5%) where 100% of respondents felt that the program helped them prepare and consume healthier foods “always” or “sometimes” and 77.3% identified being exposed to new foods including quinoa, pepitas, plain yogurt, whole wheat pasta, and kale.

The majority said having the groceries delivered reduced their stress level (90.8%) and helped them better care for themselves and their family (72.8%).

By offering these medically tailored groceries free of charge, our team members were able to reconnect with several PLHIV who had been lost to follow up and reengage them in care.

Conclusions: A unique program that offers healthy foods to PLHIV by delivering medically tailored groceries directly to the homes of young adults is beneficial in helping to reduce food insecurity and improve healthy eating.

It provides autonomy that is not afforded from meal delivery services and gives agency to PLHIV in making healthy decisions while learning to plan meals.

The next phase will involve making the grocery ordering process more client-centered, while still following recommended Medical Nutrition Therapy for PLHIV.

Funding Sources: Funding provided in part by a Ryan White HRSA grant for Ending the HIV Epidemic, and MCHB #T71MC00009 LEAH training grant.