Implementation of a six-month produce prescription program for a rural Medicaid population increased vegetable consumption and reduced food insecurity in Washington state

Top Things to Know

A produce prescription model combining locally sourced produce, nutrition education, and participant support may improve vegetable intake and reduce food insecurity among rural Medicaid populations.

Program design and participant food preferences may influence specific dietary outcomes.

FIM evaluations and study desing strategies need to addrees whether dietary improvements translate into measurable health and healthcare utilization benefits.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This six-month produce prescription (PRx) program enrolled rural Washington Medicaid beneficiaries with or at risk for diet-related chronic conditions and provided biweekly community-supported agriculture (CSA) produce boxes, nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, and participant support. Participants who completed matched pre-post assessments (n=58) experienced a significant increase in vegetable consumption, including greater intake of salads, beans, and non-fried potatoes, while fruit intake did not significantly change. Food insecurity decreased significantly from 84.2% at baseline to 66.7% after the intervention (p=0.03), indicating improved food access among participants. Although self-reported health status trended in a positive direction, changes were not statistically significant, and no significant reductions in missed clinic appointments were observed. Overall program satisfaction was high, with more than 80% of respondents reporting positive or very positive experiences. Interpretation is limited by the lack of a control group, substantial loss to follow-up, reliance on self-reported outcomes, and the absence of clinical measures such as hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, or body mass index.