Health Center-Based, Community-Supported Agriculture: An RCT

Top Things to Know

The intervention group showed a significant improvement in their Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores, with an average increase of 4.3 points compared to the control group, indicating better adherence to dietary guidelines.

The increase in HEI scores in the intervention group was particularly strong in the categories of total vegetables, total fruits, and whole fruits. There was also a decrease in the consumption of empty calories, such as sugar-sweetened beverages.

There was a notable reduction in food insecurity among participants in the CSA group, with rates dropping from 31% to 11% by the end of the study period.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of a subsidized community-supported agriculture (CSA) program on diet quality among socioeconomically vulnerable adults over two years. Participants in the intervention group received a subsidized CSA membership, enabling them to collect weekly farm produce from June to November, aligning with the six-month growing season. This intervention was complemented by dietary education provided through a "Choose MyPlate" brochure, integrating access to nutritious food with health eating information. The study demonstrated that participants who received subsidized CSA memberships exhibited a significant increase in their Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores compared to those in the control group, who only received healthy eating information. Additionally, food insecurity among the intervention group decreased from 31% to 11% by the study's conclusion. The findings suggest that combining subsidized CSA memberships with dietary education can significantly enhance diet quality and reduce food insecurity among socioeconomically vulnerable populations, offering a robust model for community health improvement through agricultural engagement.