Patients’ experiences with a community fruit and vegetable box program prescribed by their health provider
Abstract Background Food insecurity is “the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food”. Observational studies have associated food insecurity with many negative health effects including the development and exacerbations of chronic diseases, higher...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2023-05-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15685-w |
| _version_ | 1797827286784802816 |
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| author | Jennifer K. Johnson Evelyn Vingilis Amanda L. Terry |
| author_facet | Jennifer K. Johnson Evelyn Vingilis Amanda L. Terry |
| author_sort | Jennifer K. Johnson |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Food insecurity is “the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food”. Observational studies have associated food insecurity with many negative health effects including the development and exacerbations of chronic diseases, higher health care use and increased mortality. Health care providers prescribing food is a growing area of interest and research, however it is not known how patients feel about receiving fruit and vegetable prescriptions (FVRx) from their health provider versus other means of food provision. This pilot study was conducted to explore the experiences and opinions of Canadian adults with food insecurity who were recipients of a FVRx box program prescribed by their health provider. Methods Potential participants were recruited to 3 focus groups using flyers included in their monthly food box. Questions were kept open to encourage participation of all group members. The focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by the research team using descriptive qualitative research methodology. Results Participants described shame and frustration trying to obtain enough food through local food banks. In comparison, they perceived their team dietitian, family physician or addictions physician as directly helping them with their health by prescribing food. The boxed fruit and vegetables were prepared in many ways and often shared to reduce waste and to reduce the food insecurity of extended family members. Positive effects of the FVRx on physical and mental health were reported. Participants believed that follow up with their health provider helped support them and their behavioural changes towards better nutrition. Limitations of the program included lack of choice, non-flexible pick-up times and the program being limited to 6 months. Being able to choose their own fruit and vegetables, instead of receiving a set box, was suggested by most to help meal planning and to increase autonomy. Conclusions Health providers prescribing FVRx boxes to adult patients with food insecurity was positively received in this study. Evaluation of similar programs in other regions in Canada and internationally, and comparison of food prescriptions to basic income guarantee programs is recommended. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-09T12:45:56Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-24a5d47647ac4fc8b1dc05fee8a3ea57 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-09T12:45:56Z |
| publishDate | 2023-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj.art-24a5d47647ac4fc8b1dc05fee8a3ea572023-05-14T11:30:42ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582023-05-012311810.1186/s12889-023-15685-wPatients’ experiences with a community fruit and vegetable box program prescribed by their health providerJennifer K. Johnson0Evelyn Vingilis1Amanda L. Terry2Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western UniversityPopulation and Community Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western UniversityCentre for Studies in Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western UniversityAbstract Background Food insecurity is “the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food”. Observational studies have associated food insecurity with many negative health effects including the development and exacerbations of chronic diseases, higher health care use and increased mortality. Health care providers prescribing food is a growing area of interest and research, however it is not known how patients feel about receiving fruit and vegetable prescriptions (FVRx) from their health provider versus other means of food provision. This pilot study was conducted to explore the experiences and opinions of Canadian adults with food insecurity who were recipients of a FVRx box program prescribed by their health provider. Methods Potential participants were recruited to 3 focus groups using flyers included in their monthly food box. Questions were kept open to encourage participation of all group members. The focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by the research team using descriptive qualitative research methodology. Results Participants described shame and frustration trying to obtain enough food through local food banks. In comparison, they perceived their team dietitian, family physician or addictions physician as directly helping them with their health by prescribing food. The boxed fruit and vegetables were prepared in many ways and often shared to reduce waste and to reduce the food insecurity of extended family members. Positive effects of the FVRx on physical and mental health were reported. Participants believed that follow up with their health provider helped support them and their behavioural changes towards better nutrition. Limitations of the program included lack of choice, non-flexible pick-up times and the program being limited to 6 months. Being able to choose their own fruit and vegetables, instead of receiving a set box, was suggested by most to help meal planning and to increase autonomy. Conclusions Health providers prescribing FVRx boxes to adult patients with food insecurity was positively received in this study. Evaluation of similar programs in other regions in Canada and internationally, and comparison of food prescriptions to basic income guarantee programs is recommended.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15685-wFood insecurityFruit and vegetable prescriptionsFocus groupsCommunity dieticianHealthcare provider |
| spellingShingle | Jennifer K. Johnson Evelyn Vingilis Amanda L. Terry Patients’ experiences with a community fruit and vegetable box program prescribed by their health provider BMC Public Health Food insecurity Fruit and vegetable prescriptions Focus groups Community dietician Healthcare provider |
| title | Patients’ experiences with a community fruit and vegetable box program prescribed by their health provider |
| title_full | Patients’ experiences with a community fruit and vegetable box program prescribed by their health provider |
| title_fullStr | Patients’ experiences with a community fruit and vegetable box program prescribed by their health provider |
| title_full_unstemmed | Patients’ experiences with a community fruit and vegetable box program prescribed by their health provider |
| title_short | Patients’ experiences with a community fruit and vegetable box program prescribed by their health provider |
| title_sort | patients experiences with a community fruit and vegetable box program prescribed by their health provider |
| topic | Food insecurity Fruit and vegetable prescriptions Focus groups Community dietician Healthcare provider |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15685-w |
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