A FOOD BOX INTERVENTION FOR FAMILIES EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY AND TYPE 2 DIABETES: A PILOT PROJECT

Abstract

The negative impacts of type 2 diabetes (T2D) can be exacerbated by food insecurity (FIS), contributing towards overall familial stress, poor health outcomes, and difficulties with diabetes management. Food box interventions may reduce some barriers to healthy eating, including access to fresh produce, transportation, and food cost. The current pilot project was designed to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and satisfaction of a produce food box intervention for families impacted by T2D and FIS, as well as any changes in eating habits and perceived stress. The pilot project was shown to be acceptable to families and participants indicated that they were satisfied with the intervention. Study feasibility was negatively impacted by participant recruitment and retention. Participant eating habits did not change; however, perceived stress was shown to decrease mid-intervention before rebounding post-intervention. Barriers identified throughout the pilot study, as well as via participant response are highlighted.