Preliminary trial findings from Harvest Share: a cost-offset community supported agriculture model to improve diet in New York City.

Authors

Madison N LeCroy, Luisa Cardenas, Sze Wan Celine Chan, Maya Scherer, Brett Dolotina, Dalila Victoria Lanza, Rhyden Dowd, Michelle Hughes, Steve Mei, Kathleen Barth, Mayssa Gregoire, Ana I Rodriguez Gil, Marisa DeDominicis, Maria Acevedo, Alina Rodriguez, Lorena Kourousias, Mary Cheng, Mitchel Wu, Jairo Guzman, Hayley M Belli, R Gabriela Barajas-Gonzalez, Lan N Đoàn, Stella S Yi

Published in

The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity. Jul 11, 2026. Epub Jul 11, 2026.

Abstract

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs are an evidence-based approach to increase fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake while also strengthening the local farming economy and social bonds. However, uptake has been limited due to payment structures and/or CSA offerings not reflecting local community preferences. To address this need, we developed the Harvest Share program, which centers a cost-offset CSA tailored to local communities in New York City. Here, our objective is to conduct a mixed-methods evaluation of year one of Harvest Share to evaluate its preliminary impact on diet and social outcomes.
Harvest Share participants (n = 542; n = 153 CSA and n = 389 comparison community [CC] participants) completed surveys and Veggie Meter readings-an objective measure of F&V intake-at the start and end of the 20-week growing season (~ June-October 2023). Qualitative interviews were conducted with n = 23 participants to understand program experiences. Mixed effect linear regression models were used to examine the impact of Harvest Share on primary (Veggie Meter score) and secondary outcomes (diet and social variables). Significant associations were based on the group (CSA vs. CC) by time (pre vs. post) interaction term. Descriptive, thematic analysis was used to analyze interviews.
Across CSA and CC participants, individuals were, on average, 44 years old; female (80%); Asian (48%) or Hispanic/Latino (37%); and of lower socioeconomic status (55% with annual household income <$50,000). Change in Veggie Meter scores (p = 0.02), F&V consumption (p < 0.0001), and F&V knowledge (p = 0.0004) significantly differed between CSA and CC participants. Veggie Meter scores trended downwards in both groups, but the decline was non-significant among CSA participants (CSA: -7.43 [95%CI: -21.30, 6.44]; CC: -27.29 [95%CI: -36.27, -18.30]). CSA participation was associated with an increased number of different types of F&V consumed (CSA: 3.74 [95%CI: 2.94, 4.53]; CC: 0.05 [95%CI: -0.48, 0.57]) and decreased number of F&V that individuals did not know how to prepare (CSA: -1.60 [95%CI: -2.28, -0.93]; CC: -0.13 [95%CI: -0.57, 0.32]). Qualitative interviews indicated the CSA also promoted family and community connection and improved physical and mental health.
A cost-offset, tailored CSA can improve diet and social outcomes using a model that supports farmers.
Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT05381766 (registration date: May 19, 2022).

PMID:
42436486
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 12 Jul 2026.

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