Food is Medicine: The Effectiveness of Delaware's Feeding Families Program in Managing Chronic Conditions

Top Things to Know

The program significantly reduced BMI, indicating its effectiveness in managing weight among participants.

Participants showed substantial reductions in the consumption of sodium, sugar, and fats, promoting healthier eating habits.

The program modestly improved food security, reducing participants' concerns about food availability.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study evaluated the Feeding Families (FF) program, a Food is Medicine (FIM) initiative in Delaware, aimed at managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Over 12 months, participants received nutrient-dense food, bi-weekly nutrition counseling, and behavioral support. The findings showed significant reductions in BMI and improved dietary behaviors, including decreased consumption of sodium, sugar, and fats. Although changes in A1C levels were not statistically significant, there was an overall trend of improvement. The program also modestly enhanced food security among participants.