Participation in a Produce Prescription Observational Cohort Intervention Is Associated with Improvements in Child Fruit and Vegetable Intake

Abstract

Background: Produce Prescription Interventions (PRx) are designed to improve food insecurity and diet quality by offering greater access to healthy fruits and vegetables (FV) and nutrition and culinary education. This study evaluated the relationship between participation in a family-based PRx and child FV intake. Methods: Between November 2022 and December 2024, children (0–18 years) and caregiver dyads were recruited to participate in a 6-month PRx that provided 16 pounds of FV per month and virtual nutrition and culinary education sessions monthly. Adult-reported child FV intake data were collected at baseline and post-intervention. The effect of the intervention on child FV intake was evaluated by multiple mixed model regression analyses. Results: A total of 176 dyads completed an FV intake evaluation. Participation in the intervention was associated with a significant increase in fruit (R = 0.21, p = 0.004) and vegetable (R = 0.30, p < 0.0001) consumption. When adjusting for demographic and programmatic variables, the effect of time remained significant. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that PRx participation is associated with a modest improvement in FV intake, but barriers to FV intake remain. Further work is needed to understand the optimal PRx design to achieve healthy FV intake in children.