Evaluating Appalachian Farmacy: Impact of a Rural Produce Prescription Program on Food Security and Health Outcomes
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 an 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: Program evaluation methods included interviews for process evaluation and surveys for impact evaluation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with program participants to evaluate process measures and explore their experiences, perceptions of the program, and barriers to participation. Transcripts were analyzed using rapid coding in Microsoft Excel to identify common themes. Surveys were initially completed electronically by program participants at enrollment and after the first year completed in the program. Questions included in the surveys were adapted from reporting and evaluation resources by the Nutrition Incentive Hub. Results: Themes that emerged from the interview transcripts included mixed accessibility and ease of voucher use, encouragement to change eating behaviors, increased purchasing and intake of fruits and vegetables, various barriers to program participation, self-reported health benefits, and interests in nutrition and cooking education offerings. Surveys found statistically significant changes in the following: shelf-life/stability, affording balanced meals, food insecurity, hunger, mental health, and BMI. Conclusion: Findings suggest that Appalachian Farmacy demonstrated positive impacts on food security, dietary habits, and healthy outcomes for program participants. Additional work is needed to increase accessibility and strengthen programmatic impact.
Start Time
15-4-2026 10:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 11:00 AM
Room Number
304
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Grad/Comp Orals
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Graduate
Faculty Mentor
Bethesda O'Connell
Evaluating Appalachian Farmacy: Impact of a Rural Produce Prescription Program on Food Security and Health Outcomes
304
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 an 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: Program evaluation methods included interviews for process evaluation and surveys for impact evaluation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with program participants to evaluate process measures and explore their experiences, perceptions of the program, and barriers to participation. Transcripts were analyzed using rapid coding in Microsoft Excel to identify common themes. Surveys were initially completed electronically by program participants at enrollment and after the first year completed in the program. Questions included in the surveys were adapted from reporting and evaluation resources by the Nutrition Incentive Hub. Results: Themes that emerged from the interview transcripts included mixed accessibility and ease of voucher use, encouragement to change eating behaviors, increased purchasing and intake of fruits and vegetables, various barriers to program participation, self-reported health benefits, and interests in nutrition and cooking education offerings. Surveys found statistically significant changes in the following: shelf-life/stability, affording balanced meals, food insecurity, hunger, mental health, and BMI. Conclusion: Findings suggest that Appalachian Farmacy demonstrated positive impacts on food security, dietary habits, and healthy outcomes for program participants. Additional work is needed to increase accessibility and strengthen programmatic impact.
