From the Field to the Patient: A Rural Food Recovery-Based Produce Rx Program.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutrition Science
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Poor nutrition is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases.
• Produce Prescription (PRx) programs are emerging to address dietary quality and promote health.
• Food insecurity impacts health outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Farm to Clinic (F2C) framework, a food recovery-based produce prescription program.
• To evaluate the successes and challenges of the F2C model in a rural North Carolina setting.
• To outline areas for expansion and improvement of the F2C model for wider applicability.

Main Methods:

• A partnership was established between the North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NCAFCC), Society of Saint Andrews (SoSA), and a local food bank.
• Student volunteers collected gleaned and salvaged produce for distribution to 4,691 rural, uninsured patients.
• Produce was delivered directly to clinics or patients, integrating with primary care.

Main Results:

• The F2C program complemented chronic disease management and health promotion cost-effectively.
• It reduced food waste and provided produce access directly at primary care clinics.
• Challenges included gleaning consistency, leading to a shift towards salvaged produce.

Conclusions:

• The F2C model offers a viable, community-based approach to improving nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
• Future improvements include prioritized eligibility, nutrition education, culinary support, and enhanced evaluation.
• The F2C framework's reliance on established community partners facilitates replication in diverse geographic areas.