Engaging Latina Females and Community Partners to Pilot Test and Optimize Medically Supportive Groceries

Top Things to Know

 Medically supportive groceries that are culturally tailored can enhance the acceptability and satisfaction of food assistance programs, making them more effective in addressing food insecurity and diet-related chronic diseases.

Providing medically supportive groceries can significantly reduce food insecurity among vulnerable populations, which is a critical step in managing and preventing diet-related chronic diseases.

The successful delivery and high participation rates indicate that such programs are feasible and can be integrated into existing healthcare and community support systems to improve health outcomes.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study aimed to test the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of medically supportive groceries for Latina females with food insecurity and diet-related chronic diseases. Participants received 8 weekly home deliveries of groceries, which included fresh produce, protein, and whole grains. The findings showed a significant reduction in food insecurity, from 92% at baseline to 59% at follow-up. Participants reported high cultural acceptability and satisfaction with the groceries. However, there were no significant changes in daily fruit and vegetable intake. The study concluded that medically supportive groceries are feasible and acceptable for this population.