Comparing patient and provider perspectives on a rural, multilevel, community-engaged Food is Medicine intervention

Introduction Community engagement and multistakeholder alignment are critical for implementing effective Food is Medicine (FIM) programs. Together with the Delta Health Center and regional farmers in the Mississippi Delta, the Delta GREENS (Growing a Resilient, Enriching, Equitable, Nourishing food System) FIM Project is testing the effects of a multilevel, community-engaged intervention that provides weekly locally-grown produce boxes over 12 months on adult cardiometabolic outcomes. Methods We conducted 3 focus groups with low-income patients with chronic disease risk (N = 25) and 2 with healthcare providers (N = 19) across 3 counties during formative stages of Delta GREENS. We compared patients’ and healthcare providers’ perspectives on potential impacts of FIM and logistical, context-specific implementation considerations, and thematically analyzed transcripts using an inductive approach. Results Patients emphasized macro-level structural benefits (ie, increasing household purchasing power, boosting local economies) while providers emphasized individual-level benefits (ie, nutrition education) of Delta GREENS. Patients wanted box quantities scaled to household sizes, while providers voiced concerns about healthcare-related frustrations, such as patient non-adherence and attrition. Both groups agreed that produce boxes could support healthy eating. Conclusion This study provides critical insights to better align stakeholder priorities to guide the design of culturally responsive FIM programs.