Highlighted Project: Veggie RX

Veggie RX: A community-based participatory evaluation of a produce "prescription" program

Food insecurity is pervasive throughout the Columbia Gorge area. In fact, a 2015 survey found that nearly half of all residents receive some form of food assistance, a third report worrying about running out of food and 15% have actually run out of food in the past month.

Gorge Grown Food Network’s Veggie Rx is an innovative fruit and vegetable prescription program designed to alleviate food insecurity and increase the intake of fresh produce in the Gorge. The program empowers health care and social service providers to “prescribe” vouchers to people who screen positive for food insecurity. Vouchers are used to buy fresh fruit and vegetables at farmer’s markets and grocery stores.

The Center for Outcomes Research and Education (CORE) partnered with The Next Door, Inc. on a community-based participatory evaluation aimed at understanding the program’s impacts and opportunities for improvement.

Key Findings

Veggie Rx increased food security and improved nutritional intake
Better nutrition led to improvements in self-reported physical health
Improved food security and better nutrition improved self-reported mental health
Participants faced some stigma at local grocery stores
Veggie Rx has the potential for regional economic impact

Several important themes emerged from this research. In addition to improved nutrition, participants felt that going to farmer’s markets brought a deeper connection to their community. They felt pride in supporting local farmers and teaching their children where food comes from. However, while food insecurity is chronic for many people in Oregon, it also can bring stigma. Participants were not always comfortable conversing with their health or social service providers.

These findings show that while Veggie Rx is not the solution for food insecurity, when combined with other efforts, programs like this can ease hunger, create community, and provide long-term health benefits.

“I used to avoid the veggie aisle because I couldn’t afford it.” - Participant

“My kids came with me to the market…they are learning that food doesn’t come from the refrigerator. My son got to try a fresh peach for the first time.” - Participant

Research approach

Community-based participatory research
Focus groups in English and Spanish
Photovoice methodology
October 2015 - January 2016

CORE conducted a series of focus groups using the photovoice methodology to learn about participants’ experiences with the program. Photovoice is a visual research method in which research participants take photographs that represent their experiences. The photos serve as conversation starters within the focus group setting. Over the one-month study period, we conducted six focus groups with participants: three in English and three in Spanish.