Federally Qualified Health Center-Based Food is Medicine Intervention Associated With Improved Health and Nutritional Outcomes

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate health outcomes associated with a Food is Medicine (FIM) intervention.

Design

Single group prepost design.

Participants

Patients with food insecurity at a Federally Qualified Health Center who had a nutrition-related health condition (n = 134).

Intervention

Nine-month FIM program which provided medically tailored grocery boxes and one-on-one nutrition coaching.

Main Outcome Measures

Hemoglobin A1C, body mass index, blood pressure, fruit and vegetable consumption, food insecurity, medication adherence, and overall health status.

Analysis

Generalized estimating equations estimated the association between outcomes and program participation.

Results

Mean hemoglobin A1C decreased from 7.4% to 7.0% (P = 0.001), body mass index declined from 40.5 to 39.6 (P < 0.01), fruit and vegetable intake increased from 10.0 to 14.6 times/wk (P < 0.001), and food insecurity decreased from 89.6% to 36.1% (P < 0.001). Medication adherence (P = 0.002) and overall health status (P < 0.001) also significantly improved post program.

Conclusion and Implications

Participation in a FIM intervention was associated with significant improvements in patient health outcomes, food security, and diet behaviors. Findings show potential for FIM interventions implemented in partnership between food banks and safety net providers to alleviate food insecurity and improve patients’ health outcomes.