Evaluating Appalachian Farmacy: A Qualitative Process Evaluation of a Rural Produce Prescription Program
Abstract
Introduction: Food insecurity remains a critical public health concern, particularly in rural, low-income communities. Produce prescription programs have emerged as a strategy to improve food access and promote healthier eating behaviors. This study presents a qualitative process evaluation of Appalachian Farmacy, a produce prescription program in Northeast Tennessee designed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among individuals receiving Medicaid, Medicare, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with program participants to explore their experiences, perceptions of the program, and barriers to participation. Transcripts were analyzed using rapid coding in Microsoft Excel to identify common themes. Results: Themes that emerged included inconsistent treatment and rules across grocery store locations, easy experiences for exchanging vouchers at farmer’s markets, desired changes for smaller voucher increments, barriers to attending educational events, suggestions for additional education topics, expanding sites and times for voucher accessibility, knowledge gained from educational classes, financial relief, increased socialization, overall health benefits, emotional and mental health benefits, changes in eating behaviors, improved access to fruits and veggies, increased variety of produce intake, and desired program expansion. Conclusion: These findings suggest that increasing accessibility—through expanded distribution sites, flexible voucher options, and enhanced educational support—could strengthen the program’s impact. Addressing these gaps can help optimize produce prescription programs as an effective strategy to combat food insecurity and promote healthier eating habits in rural communities.
Start Time
16-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 11:30 AM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Graduate Student - Doctoral
Faculty Mentor
Bethesda O'Connell
Faculty Department
Community and Behavioral Health
Evaluating Appalachian Farmacy: A Qualitative Process Evaluation of a Rural Produce Prescription Program
Introduction: Food insecurity remains a critical public health concern, particularly in rural, low-income communities. Produce prescription programs have emerged as a strategy to improve food access and promote healthier eating behaviors. This study presents a qualitative process evaluation of Appalachian Farmacy, a produce prescription program in Northeast Tennessee designed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among individuals receiving Medicaid, Medicare, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with program participants to explore their experiences, perceptions of the program, and barriers to participation. Transcripts were analyzed using rapid coding in Microsoft Excel to identify common themes. Results: Themes that emerged included inconsistent treatment and rules across grocery store locations, easy experiences for exchanging vouchers at farmer’s markets, desired changes for smaller voucher increments, barriers to attending educational events, suggestions for additional education topics, expanding sites and times for voucher accessibility, knowledge gained from educational classes, financial relief, increased socialization, overall health benefits, emotional and mental health benefits, changes in eating behaviors, improved access to fruits and veggies, increased variety of produce intake, and desired program expansion. Conclusion: These findings suggest that increasing accessibility—through expanded distribution sites, flexible voucher options, and enhanced educational support—could strengthen the program’s impact. Addressing these gaps can help optimize produce prescription programs as an effective strategy to combat food insecurity and promote healthier eating habits in rural communities.