Participant and Stakeholder Perceptions of the Food FARMacy Emergency Food Assistance Program for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

BackgroundFood FARMacy is a clinical-community emergency food assistance program developed in response to food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Few qualitative studies have examined participant, and clinical and community stakeholder experiences with these food assistance programs. ObjectiveTo examine the motivations, experiences, and perceptions of Food FARMacy participants and program stakeholders. DesignA qualitative study using in-depth interviews between March 2021 and July 2021. Participants and settingTwenty-four Food FARMacy participants and 10 program stakeholders in New York, NY (Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens) older than age 18 years were interviewed. Statistical analyses performedInterviews were recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participant and program stakeholder interviews were analyzed separately. Themes that were salient in both groups were combined for reporting. ResultsBoth program participants and stakeholders perceived: pandemic-related demands combined with reduced resources motivated participation; convenience, safety, and ease of access facilitated program retention; participants valued fresh produce and diversity of foods; the program improved diet and health; minimizing food waste was a priority; and social cohesion was an unexpected program benefit. Two additional themes among only program stakeholders also were identified: aligned values, flexibility, and communication were key to successful partnerships; and trust between community partners and community members drove programmatic success. ConclusionsResults suggest that a multisite clinical-community partnership to provide emergency food assistance in New York City can be leveraged to reduce barriers to healthy food access and address food insecurity during crises.