Implementation of a six-month produce prescription program for a rural Medicaid population increased vegetable consumption and reduced food insecurity in Washington state

OBJECTIVE: Medicaid recipients in rural populations experience higher rates of food insecurity. Produce prescription (PRx) programs subsidize the cost of fruits and vegetables (F/V) and may improve health outcomes. This study was designed to test whether a PRx program using a community supported agriculture (CSA) model would improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization among rural Medicaid patients with/at risk of chronic illnesses. 

METHODS: A federally qualified health center referred patients to a food bank, which delivered CSA boxes with produce to them for six months. A total of 136 participants completed the baseline survey, and 73 participants completed the post-survey. Main outcomes include F/V intake, food security status, and healthcare utilization. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics. Chi-squared tests and paired t-tests were conducted to assess associations and mean differences. 

RESULTS: Daily fruit intake and health status did not significantly change. Significant outcomes include increased vegetable consumption (p = 0.04); and decreased food insecurity status (84% to 66%; p = 0.03). 

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that PRx programs can be effective nutrition interventions for rural Medicaid populations. This insight can help inform health providers and policymakers about strategies to address chronic disease management and treatment.