(P16-022-25) Design and Evaluation of the MaineHealth Food Is Medicine Pilot Program in Rural Franklin County, Maine

Objectives: A Food is Medicine (FIM) pilot program was developed to improve access to healthy food and programming for rural Maine patients experiencing food insecurity and who have a chronic disease.

Methods: This 26-week program is operated at the Franklin County, Maine hospital-run food pantry. Weekly meetings with implementers took place 1 year before launch and throughout the program. Evidence-based education programs included Cooking Matters and Living Well for Better Health. A recruitment marketing plan was developed and implemented with the food pantry and primary care practices (PCP). A direct PCP referral was via the electronic health record (EHR). The team developed quantitative pre/post-surveys for self-assessed health, social support, food security, and cooking/nutrition habits. Qualitative interviews were conducted with staff (n=9) at 3 months and 1 year after initiation. Biometrics were collected from participants and through the EHR.

Results: As of September 2024, 102 participants have enrolled, 34 (33.3%) completed in full, 15 (14.7%) partially completed, and 34 (33.3%) are currently undergoing the program. Interviews, staffing and administrative tasks were the most significant barrier. Adjustments were made, including virtual to in-person Living Well curriculum and recipe suggestions. When asked about sustainability and expansion, almost all interviewees expressed support; some (n=4) noted the need for consistent financial and staffing support. 27 participants (93.1%) were very likely to recommend the program. Most were satisfied with the following: instructor (100%), guest speaker(s) (94.1%), recipes (100%), and how often the class meets (82.1%). 14 (45.2%) reported it was very easy to find transportation to attend sessions and 21 (67.7%) reported it was very easy to find time to attend sessions. Despite rurality, participants expressed enthusiasm before and after enrollment, and within classroom settings.

Conclusions: Feedback from participants and staff demonstrate that this hands-on program for rural-residing individuals with chronic illness and experiencing food insecurity can be a beneficial model. Evaluation demonstrates promising health outcomes and improves healthy lifestyle behaviors. Completion of future cohorts will allow for identification of health outcome improvements.

Funding Sources: Hannaford Supermarkets