The Good Food Box Pilot Project as a Contribution to Addressing Food Accessibility in the Elderly.

Area of Science:

• Community Health
• Nutrition Programs
• Gerontology

Background:

• The Good Food Box (GFB) program aims to improve access to fresh produce.
• Seniors often face barriers to obtaining nutritious food.
• A pilot project was initiated in Côte Saint-Luc (CSL) to assess GFB suitability for the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and suitability of the GFB program for seniors in CSL.
• To assess user satisfaction and the impact of GFB on participants' dietary intake and community engagement.
• To identify lessons learned and future directions for the GFB program targeting seniors.

Main Methods:

• A 10-week biweekly pilot project involving 14 participants aged 65+ in CSL.
• Delivery of Good Food Boxes containing fresh produce.
• Baseline and final surveys administered to assess satisfaction, produce consumption, and community connection.

Main Results:

• Participants reported high satisfaction with GFB convenience and produce quality.
• Increased intake of fresh fruits and vegetables was observed.
• Enhanced sense of community connection reported by participants.
• Some seniors found the quantity excessive and certain products difficult to prepare.

Conclusions:

• The GFB pilot project demonstrated feasibility and positive outcomes for seniors in CSL.
• Program modifications, such as smaller box sizes and preparation assistance, could enhance suitability for all seniors.
• The GFB program holds potential to positively impact the health and quality of life for the broader CSL community.