PhytoRx Families Pilot Study to Improve Food Security and Increase Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Rural North Carolina

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore how PhytoRx Families, an innovative produce prescription program, can impact nutrition, health, and healthcare use among families in rural North Carolina facing food insecurity. The study focuses on adults and school-aged children, addressing barriers like limited access to affordable healthy food in lower-resourced rural communities. Participants include 30 adult-child pairs with children aged 8 to 14 years. Healthcare providers at local clinics will refer eligible families who screen positive for food insecurity. The program provides fresh produce boxes and nutrition education over a 16-week period, aiming to improve fruit and vegetable intake and related health outcomes. During the study, participants will complete dietary recalls and health assessments at the start and end of the 16 weeks. Researchers will measure fruit and vegetable intake, diet quality, food security, blood pressure, HbA1C, body mass index, and various nutrition-related behaviors. The study will also track healthcare usage and evaluate changes over the intervention period.

A Food As Medicine Approach to Address Food Insecurity in Rural North Carolina