(OR35-02-24) KC Fresh Rx: A Produce Prescription Program for Medicaid Recipients

Objectives: KC Fresh Rx is a produce prescription program at three clinics in Kansas City, which provides eligible Medicaid recipients with monthly funds to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at 25 participating grocery stores across the metro. Nutrition education with cooking demonstrations are led by a registered dietitian. Recipes, tips and handouts are shared by electronic messages. Our objective is to evaluate how well the program decreases health risks, encourages produce consumption, and increases food security.

Methods: Inclusion criteria included active Medicaid recipient, identified as pre-diabetic (HbA1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4%) and/or pre-hypertensive (systolic 120-139 mm Hg or diastolic 80 -89 mm Hg) and experienced food insecurity in the past year. Medicaid patients with pre-diabetes or pre-hypertension are evaluated at baseline and at 6 months for changes in blood sugar and blood pressure levels and healthcare utilization. Evaluation data are also collected on fruit/vegetable consumption, food security, and knowledge regarding purchasing, storing, and preparing produce and their health benefits.

Results: At baseline, we enrolled 23 patients (5 males,18 females), mean age 42 years, with an average household size of 3 members and over 50% who use SNAP benefits or food pantries. At 6 months, mean BMI decreased from 33.8 kg/m² to 32.2 kg/m², a change of -1.6 kg/m². Mean HbA1c levels decreased from 5.93% to 5.75%. Additionally, mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 128 to 117 mm Hg while mean diastolic pressure decreased from 82 to 79 mm Hg. Healthcare utilization showed a decrease in hospitalizations and an increase in well visits. Mean skin carotenoid scores improved slightly but were still critically low (243 to 248). Approximately $40 per month was distributed to the enrollee plus $20 for family members, and about $69 each month was redeemed on produce. Food security status improved for six individuals. Most participants report the program is easy to use, are consuming >75% of the produce purchased with an overall increase of 0.44 cups/day. Patients report using what they learned in nutrition education to eat more F/V.

Conclusions: Overall, the produce prescription program is working to reduce serious health complications and improve food security.

Funding Sources: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture