Recipe4Health: Preliminary Analysis of an Integrative Approach to Address Social Isolation and Food Insecurity during COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Methods: This 16-week intervention conducted at community health centers combines integrative group medical visits with produce prescriptions. Participating patients are adults diagnosed with chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension and depression. Virtual integrative group medical visits meet weekly in Spanish or English with health coach support between sessions. Participants also receive weekly doorstep delivery of fresh vegetables grown using regenerative agriculture. Ongoing mixed-methods data collection includes 1) semi-structured interviews with program staff and patients, and 2) pre-and post-program patient surveys including the 8-Item UCLA Loneliness Scale and the 6-item USDA short form for household food insecurity. Preliminary quantitative analysis uses mixed-effects models to assess the effects of participation in the combined intervention (N=185). Qualitative analysis uses reflexive thematic analysis (N=35). Results: Qualitative interview data explored program implementation and stakeholders' experiences with Recipe4Health during COVID-19. Patients and staff reported that virtual group visits provided social connection and supported mental health. Weekly produce delivery increased food security and provided access to new and familiar foods. Preliminary quantitative analysis included 185 patients 83% female;51% Latin, 27% Black;61% spoke English as primary language, 39% Spanish. Average loneliness scores decreased from 5.2 to 4.7 (p<.04), despite notable national inc1reases in isolation and loneliness during COVID-19. While food insecurity doubled nationwide, the proportion of study participants reporting food insecurity or marginal food security decreased from 79% to 54% (p<.01). Background: Food insecurity has been associated with social isolation;both have risen dramatically in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project, Recipe4Health, is implementing and assessing the impact of integrative group medical visits and produce prescriptions for low-income adults with chronic conditions. Conclusion: Combining integrative group medical visits and produce prescriptions can improve key patient outcomes including loneliness and food security in a pandemic context.