Investigation of an urban farm intervention for a low income Hispanic population with multiple risk factors for diabetes (624.3)

Abstract

Background: Obesity and chronic disease are highly prevalent in the United States, particularly among low‐income Hispanic populations. Innovative approaches to changing social, behavioral and nutritional risk factors are crucially needed.Objectives: To implement and refine a pilot intervention to address chronic disease risk factors in an urban low income population.Methods: The New Haven Farms Fresh Produce Prescription program provided fresh produce, nutrition education, gardening education and cooking demonstrations weekly during sixteen weeks of the agriculture season. Participants were recruited through a community health center and came to a central urban agriculture site each week. Participants completed baseline and follow up assessments of dietary diversity, chronic disease risk, food security and physical activity, as well as weekly surveys on use of the fresh produce.Results: 51 people completed the baseline survey, and 40 people completed the follow up survey. Preliminary analyses show that approximately 30% show some food insecurity at baseline.Conclusions: This pilot study reports on the development of a complex intervention to address multiple chronic disease risk factors through agriculture‐based activities in an urban setting.