Study of Produce Prescription Programs in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Experiencing Nutrition Insecurity

A Randomized Pilot Study of Produce Prescription Programs in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Experiencing Nutrition Insecurity

The goal of this study is to understand the best practices for implementing produce prescriptions among adults with overweight or obesity experiencing nutrition insecurity. Enrolled participants will receive an 8-week intervention aimed at increasing nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy for healthy eating, and barriers to healthy food access. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two produce prescription implementation strategies:

Program 1: Participants will receive weekly produce vouchers that are redeemable at a local vendor.

Program 2. Participants will receive fresh produce delivered directly to the participant's home. These boxes will be tailored based on household size, cooking and preparation preferences, and produce the participant prefers to receive.

Researchers will compare engagement in and adherence to the intervention and the patterns of difference in 8-week changes in fruit and vegetable consumption and weight.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult 18 years of age or older
• Living with overweight or obesity, defined as a BMI ≥25
• Screens positive for nutrition insecurity
• Has a smartphone with a data plan
• Willing to receive daily text messages
• Has an address that can receive delivery
• Can read and write in English
• Is willing to pick up produce at the Northeast Market

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participating in another related research study
• Currently taking weight loss drugs
• Cardiovascular disease event in the last 6 months
• Active cancer
• Recent hospitalization due to psychiatric condition or event
• Pregnancy or planned during the study period
• Currently breastfeeding
• Documented dementia
• On kidney dialysis
• Planned or recent bariatric surgery
• Weight exceeding 440 lbs.
• Exclusion at principal investigators discretion