Engaging a disadvantaged community with a fruit and vegetable box scheme

Interventions which target the determinants of unhealthy diets are required to promote healthy eating and reduce the burdens of diet-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers.

Qualitative interviews (n = 12) were conducted to explore the perspectives and experiences of local stakeholders regarding the implementation and uptake of a healthy eating initiative (a fruit and vegetable box scheme) in a disadvantaged, regional community.

Factors affecting the community's engagement included marketing strategies, customer experiences, a community-centred approach, partnerships and logistics.

Community engagement is often essential for an intervention to be effective. The factors which influence community engagement should be considered during planning, especially when targeting disadvantaged groups. SO WHAT?: Behavioural change interventions may continue to be met with limited success if community engagement and the overarching structural barriers to healthy eating are not addressed.