MyFoodRx: Formative Research for the Development of an AI-Based Personalized Food-as-Medicine Smartphone Application

Top Things to Know

FIM tools and programs should move beyond generic education and incorporate individualized, clinically informed dietary recommendations to better drive adherence and outcomes.

MTG programs may benefit from pairing food distribution with skill‑building tools to help participants translate healthy foods into healthy meals.

Participants liked the AI-app for goal‑tracking, nudges, and recipe suggestions based on what foods they have on hand or what is close to expiring.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This formative qualitative study explored user needs and preferences to inform the development of MyFoodRx, an AI‑based personalized Food is Medicine (FIM) smartphone application. Through semi‑structured interviews with 16 food‑insecure patients enrolled in a clinic‑based food pharmacy program, researchers identified major informational needs (e.g., condition‑specific nutrition education, tailored eating plans, and recipe customization), motivational drivers (e.g., desire to improve health, reduce medications, use foods before spoilage), and behavioral skill gaps (e.g., portion control, grocery planning, and food preparation). Participants strongly emphasized the importance of personalization grounded in their health conditions, family history, medication use, lifestyle, cooking skills, and available kitchen equipment. They also highlighted the value of adaptive real‑time features such as nudges, goal tracking, and recipe suggestions based on ingredients at risk of expiring. Findings collectively support the integration of AI‑driven personalization, contextual tailoring, and behavioral‑skills support to enhance the effectiveness and usability of digital FIM tools.