Examining the associations among produce prescription program implementation characteristics and incentive redemption and participant outcomes.

Authors

Victoria A Zigmont, Bailey Houghtaling, Elise Mitchell, Gabrielle E Talavera, Eric E Calloway, Courtney Parks, Kofi Essel, James Marriott, Ka Her, Carmen Byker Shanks, Erin Summerlee, Christopher R Long

Published in

Translational behavioral medicine. Volume 16. Issue 1. Jan 07, 2026.

Abstract

Produce prescription programs (PRx) have the potential to improve participants' fruit and vegetable intake (FVI), and food security (FS), but further information is needed to understand which program characteristics contribute to these participant outcomes.
To explore the associations between PRx design characteristics, incentive redemption, and program-level participant outcomes including FVI, FS, and perceived health.
An ecological, exploratory study with a quasi-experimental design (one group pre-test post-test) following the exploration, preparation, implementation, sustainment (EPIS) framework was used among Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP)-funded PRxs in the United States. Data were sourced from a GusNIP program operator survey (84% response rate; n = 80), PRx redemption data (n = 77), and an outcomes sample including redemption and participant outcomes data (n = 39 programs). Redemption data included program-level incentive distribution and redemption rates, measured as the dollar amount of incentives redeemed per participant per month. Participant data included changes in FVI (dietary screener questionnaire), FS (USDA household FS survey module), and perceived health (healthy days). Nonparametric and parametric comparisons were examined between program characteristics with program level-redemption rates and changes in aggregated participant-level outcomes.
Program-level characteristics, design, and implementation features were associated both positively and negatively with redemption data and changes in participant outcomes including FVI, FS, and perceived health. Programs that provide more funds but serve fewer participants, offer transportation assistance, and offer staff training were positively associated with improved aggregated participant outcomes.
This exploratory research identified factors to be considered for promoting favorable program and participant outcomes in GusNIP PRx and similar initiatives.

PMID:
42470142
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 18 Jul 2026.

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