334 - Family Experiences with a 6-month Produce Prescription Program, a Qualitative Analysis

1 in 8 households with children experience food insecurity (FI) in the United States.  Produce prescription programs (PPPs) have emerged recently as means of addressing FI while providing a venue for nutritious food. The Children’s National Hospital Family Lifestyle Program’s (FLiP) Produce Prescription Initiative (FLiPRx) aims to address FI and diet-related disease risk in families with children. FLiPRx 1.0 was a 12-month PPP intervention for families with children 0 to 5 years of age implemented between November 2020 – November 2021. Based on the lessons learned from FLiPRx 1.0, a 6-month PPP intervention (FLiPRx 2.0) was initiated in January 2022 and is currently ongoing on a rolling basis.   

Objective:

To explore the lived experiences of families with FI who completed a 6-month produce prescription program.

Design/Methods:

A qualitative analysis was conducted after families with children (0-18yo) experiencing FI and diet related chronic diseases completed a 6-month PPP in Washington, DC.  Within 2 months of completion of the program, an in-depth semi-structured interview was performed regarding families’ experiences, attitudes, and behaviors around eating habits, meal preparation and grocery shopping.  Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed and preliminary themes were developed using content thematic analysis approach. Inclusion criteria included family members >18 years of age who completed the 6-month FLiPRx 2.0 program and were willing to participate in a virtual interview.

Results: A total of 18 interviews have been completed to date.  Four salient themes were identified: (1) participation led to exposure to new foods, cooking style, and meals; (2) allowed families to save money, to utilize towards other household needs; (3) increased consumption of fruits and vegetables (F/V), reduced their consumption of processed foods, and replaced junk food snacks with F/V; (4) increased quality of family bonding time created through preparing and consuming meals at home and attending interactive virtual cooking classes together.

Conclusion(s):

The families interviewed found value in the produce prescription program including exposure to new produce, saving money, consuming healthier foods, and an increase in family bonding. While the program was viewed positively by families, the need for sustainable continued support was salient. Produce prescription programs are a promising means of addressing FI and diet related chronic diseases in households with children.