Pediatric Produce Prescription Program Grounded in Community Connection Improves Fruit Intake in Hawai'i

Top Things to Know

Grounding the intervention in the Pilinaha framework and offering locally grown produce fostered strong community participation.

Targeted produce prescriptions can meaningfully shift dietary patterns, especially when paired with nutrition education.

The use of local farmers markets and community health workers created a supportive environment that reinforced social and behavioral change.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The Keiki Produce Prescription (KPRx) program was a 6-month community-based intervention in Hawaiʻi that provided pediatric patients with $50/month in vouchers for fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, along with monthly nutrition education kits. The program targeted Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) children at risk for food insecurity or nutrition-related chronic diseases. Among 121 enrolled participants, 75 completed the full program, with an average voucher redemption rate of 70%. The study found a statistically significant increase in fruit intake for both children (+1.0 cups/day) and parents (+1.2 cups/day), though total fruit and vegetable intake and household food insecurity did not significantly change. The program’s design was culturally grounded in the Pilinaha framework, emphasizing connection to self, community, ʻāina (land), and time. Despite pandemic-related challenges, the program demonstrated strong retention and engagement, suggesting the value of culturally tailored FIM interventions.