Food as Medicine for Pregnant Women
A landscape analysis to inform future work
CENTER FOR NUTRITION & HEALTH IMPACT'S ROLE:
The goal of the collaboration between Share Our Strength and the Center for Nutrition & Health Impact (CNHI) is to document the evolving landscape of Food as Medicine (FAM) programs for pregnant women. CNHI identified future directions of FAM programming for pregnant women in the form of six directions.
Background and Analysis
One population at risk of adverse health outcomes due to food insecurity is pregnant women. Many risk factors related to food insecurity during pregnancy can impact maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Food as Medicine (FAM) interventions have emerged as a solution to improve food security. These interventions include:
1.) Medically tailored meals
2.) Medically tailored groceries
3.) Produce prescriptions.
While researchers continue to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions, FAM initiatives prioritizing pregnant women have largely gone unstudied.
Therefore, the purpose of this study was to provide Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign with a landscape analysis of FAM interventions to document the evolving landscape of FAM programs for pregnant women and identify six future directions detailed below.
Overall Findings
Program Reached Multiple Populations
Programs reached diverse populations of pregnant women; however, engaging individuals experiencing health disparities in program design is needed.
Program Effectiveness Measures Varied
FAM programs for pregnant women used varied measures and metrics to gauge effectiveness.
Multiple Factors Led to Program Adoption
External and internal influences led to the adoption of FAM programs for pregnant women.
Program Components Varied Widely
Free or reduced cost food, support services, and community partnerships varied across FAM programs for pregnant women.
Key Factors Could Lead to Sustainable Programs
Building evidence and partnerships may lead to policy changes and sustained funding.
