Integrating Food and Care: Evaluating Impacts of Delaware Food Farmacy, a Food is Medicine Pilot for Maternal Health.

Abstract

Objective: The study examined participant experiences in a community-based Food is Medicine (FIM) program for pregnant women in Delaware, focusing on program structure, support services, health impacts, and perceived dignity and respect.

Methods: Using a qualitative design, 7 postpartum participants who completed the FIM pilot during pregnancy participated in semi-structured interviews that were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, generating five conceptual categories and 25 themes.

Results: Participants described substantial benefits, including improved food security, healthier eating behaviors, and emotional well-being supported through Community Health Workers and Case Management. They valued the program's respectful delivery, high food quality, convenient home delivery, and personalized dietary guidance. Reported challenges included limited program duration, restricted snack variety, and communication gaps related to goal-setting and resource navigation.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that FIM programs tailored to pregnant women can have multidimensional effects that extend beyond nutrition to encompass economic stability, mental health, and access to social supports. The integration of Community Health Workers and participant-centered service delivery emerged as key strengths, underscoring the potential of FIM models to enhance perinatal health outcomes and equity.