Produce Prescriptions and Nutrition Education Improve Experiences and Perceptions of Farm Direct Settings in Adults With Low Income

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program participants’ and nonparticipants’ experiences and perceptions of farm direct (FD) settings. DesignMultiple-case study of adults with low income from 3 study groups: (1) FVRx intervention (produce prescription, nutrition education [NE], financial literacy education, health screening), (2) NE only, and (3) control (standard health care). Participant interviews with each group at baseline and 6 months. SettingSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) eligible adults from 3 Georgia counties. ParticipantsA total of 46 adults with ≥ 1 diet-related condition. Phenomena of InterestFruit and Vegetable Prescription Program participant and nonparticipant experiences and perceptions of FD settings. AnalysisConstant comparative methods and thematic analysis of qualitative interview data across groups. FindingsTwo main themes emerged: (1) baseline FD setting experiences and perceptions and (2) divergent experiences and perceptions with FD settings postintervention. Participants across each group employed price-conscious food purchasing practices because of limited food budgets, limiting local food access. Combining produce prescription, NE, and farmers’ market access enhanced FVRx participant associations with FD settings to reinforce motivation for accessing and purchasing fruits and vegetables beyond program participation. Conclusions and ImplicationsFruit and Vegetable Prescription Programs reduce multiple barriers to participating in FD settings compared with NE or standard health care alone.