Introduction: USDA’s GusNIP produce prescription program (PPR) is an impactful national Food is Medicine initiative. Approximately 120 PPR projects are supported by the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information (NTAE) Center. NTAE provides training and technical assistance to potential applicants and project implementers. NTAE is also leads GusNIP PPR national evaluation efforts. As the NTAE enters its second 4-year funding cycle (GusNIP 2.0), it includes new initiatives to center community voices in its efforts.

Approach: Leveraging lessons learned from the previous 4 years, GusNIP 2.0 and its expert partner network are emphasizing empowerment of GusNIP audiences (e.g., participants, implementers, food systems, healthcare) in shared governance of the NTAE. Strategies include engaging audiences in (1) a GusNIP Learning Circle governance model, (2) revising GusNIP national core evaluation metrics, and (3) enhancing services to communities and geographies who have been less engaged in GusNIP.

Results: As documented by the NTAE, GusNIP PPR has improved participants’ fruit and vegetable consumption, food security, and self-rated health. Evaluation of initiatives to empower audiences is ongoing, and we will discuss progress toward key milestones, challenges with implementing these initiatives, and adaptations in response to challenges.

Discussion: The NTAE is leveraging the collective wisdom of GusNIP audiences to strengthen the impact and reach of PPR projects. These initiatives are intended to support effectiveness, sustainability, and scalability of PPR projects. GusNIP and the NTAE are part of a larger USDA effort to make safe, nutritious food available to all Americans.

Introduction: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities experience food insecurity at 4 times the rate of whites, resulting in increased chronic diseases. This research describes the impacts of a community-engaged Produce Prescription Program (PRx) on the health outcomes of a predominantly NHPI community.

Methods: Food-insecure patients with nutrition-related chronic illnesses were invited to enroll in PRx program at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. The PRx designed through community-based participatory research provided $60/month for 18 months for fruits and vegetables at the local farmers’ market. Patients’ blood pressure, blood lipids, weight, and hemoglobin A1c were measured every 3 months and documented in the electronic medical record (EMR). EMR data of participants was extracted for the 12 months prior to program enrollment and for the duration of program participation. Linear mixed-effect models assessed for changes in measures during pre-program (-12 to 0 months) and during program (0 to 12 months).

Results: Participants, predominantly NHPI (70%, n=345), suffered from hyperlipidemia (65%), hypertension (64%), obesity (59%), diabetes (54%), and anxiety (39%). BMI decreased during pre-program (-0.08, 95%CI: -0.16,-0.003) and during program (-0.15, 95%CI: -0.23, -0.07). Total cholesterol did not change during pre-program but decreased significantly during the program, especially over the first 6 months (-9.88, 95%CI: -16.45, -3.33).

Discussion: This community-informed PRx program reduced BMI and cholesterol in an NHPI-rich community. Future research should assess impacts on mental health conditions. Findings support expanding access to PRx programs through mechanisms such as the Medicaid 1115 waiver.

Introduction: For many residents of Minneapolis, especially residents who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, eating a healthy diet can be difficult due to historical, structural, and systemic barriers limiting access to affordable, nutritious, culturally appropriate foods. Food insecurity has been shown to increase risk for chronic conditions and their complications.

Approach: From June 2022 – October 2023, the Minneapolis Health Department (MHD) and 11 partner organizations launched five Produce Rx programs at federally qualified health centers and public housing buildings. Each project included four components: identification of eligible participants; referral to third-party produce suppliers; home delivery of fresh produce; and support/health education. Traditional Produce Rx models require participants to seek out food at a retail location which requires time and travel. The home delivery model overcame these barriers and was made possible through collaboration with two local organizations who specialize in distribution of food bundles to low-resource settings.

Results: 276 individuals participated in Produce Rx pilots. Participants reported improved ability to manage their chronic condition, better diet quality, and improved food security. Several pilots showed improvements in participant A1c and blood pressure. Participants voiced appreciation for the convenience of the home-delivery model.

Discussion: The MHD Produce Rx pilots showed promising results for participants’ health outcomes that are consistent with findings from similar programs implemented throughout the county. State and national health authorities, as well as private payers, should seriously consider integrating funding for such programs into standard practice to prevent chronic conditions and their complications.

Introduction: Grocery online ordering/delivery access is growing for families with lower incomes, including incorporation into federal nutrition programs; however more evaluation of these efforts is needed. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to implement and evaluate a three-month fresh produce incentive offered through a national online ordering platform to families with lower incomes.
Approach: Participants were recruited from four U.S. cities through community partners and received $60 each month for three months to purchase fresh produce through an online ordering platform. Participants who opted to participate in the evaluation (n=917) were sent online surveys at baseline and post and gave permission to access sales data through the online ordering platform. Outcomes assessed included changes in fruit/vegetable consumption and nutrition security, purchasing patterns, and program satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and mean comparisons and Chi-Square analyses were used to determine statistically significant differences.
Results: Participants were primarily women (90.3%), Black/African American (67.3%), and non-Hispanic (75.2%). From baseline to post, nutrition security scores significantly improved (baseline: 2.43±0.94; post: 2.53±0.97; p=.031), however, healthfulness choice and dietary choice scores did not significantly change. Outcomes related to fruit/vegetable consumption, sales data purchasing patterns, and program satisfaction will also be shared.
Discussion: This program improved nutrition security among families with lower incomes and contributed knowledge to the field of purchasing patterns and user preferences concerning grocery online ordering/delivery. As these platforms become more accessible to families with lower incomes, it is important to consider preferences and usability in both program and policy implications.