(OR08-06-25) Impact of a Produce Prescription Program on Health Outcomes, Food Security, and Fruit and Vegetable Intake

Objectives: The KC Fresh Rx produce prescription program at 4 clinics in Kansas City provides eligible Medicaid recipients with monthly funds to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at 25 metro-wide grocery stores. Cooking demonstrations and monthly nutrition education sessions are led by a registered dietitian. Weekly electronic messages include recipes, tips and handouts. The study objective is to evaluate how well the program improves health outcomes, increases produce consumption, and lessens food insecurity.

Methods: Enrollees were active Medicaid recipients identified as pre-diabetic (Hemoglobin A1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4%) or diabetic and/or pre-hypertensive (systolic 120-139 mmHg or diastolic 80-89 mmHg) or hypertensive and had experienced food insecurity in the past year. Medicaid patients were evaluated at baseline and at 6 months for changes in HbA1c and blood pressure levels. Evaluation data were also collected on fruit/vegetable consumption (both self-reported and skin carotenoid levels), food security, and knowledge regarding purchasing, storing, and preparing produce and their health benefits.

Results: Enrollment at baseline included 52 patients, mean age 43 years, with an average household size of 4 members and about 58% who use SNAP benefits. 49 participants completed the program at 6 months. Of those with values at both timepoints, 63% improved HbA1c levels, 43% improved systolic blood pressure, 47% improved diastolic blood pressure, and 31% reported enhanced food security. Mean HbA1c levels decreased from 5.95% to 5.89%. Additionally, mean systolic blood pressure was 127 mmHg at baseline and 128 mmHg at 6 months, while mean diastolic pressure decreased from 82 to 79 mmHg. Mean skin carotenoid scores improved slightly but were still critically low (139 to 183). Approximately $27,900 was distributed for participants to purchase fresh produce and patients redeemed $25,337 or 91%. Most participants report the program is easy to use, were consuming >75% of the produce purchased with an overall increase of 0.65 cups/day. Many patients shared that they used what they learned in the nutrition education sessions to incorporate more produce into their diet.

Conclusions: The produce prescription program is working to improve health outcomes, food security, and fruit and vegetable intake.

Funding Sources: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture