Engaging Latina Females and Community Partners to Pilot Test and Optimize Medically Supportive Groceries.

Background: Food insecurity and diet-related chronic disease disproportionately affect Latina females. Food is medicine (FIM) is increasingly recognized for its role in addressing the dual challenge of food insecurity and diet-related chronic diseases. However, there is minimal evidence to guide FIM practice for Latina females. Objectives: This study aims to engage Latina females and community partners to test the acceptability, implementation feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of medically supportive groceries. Methods: In partnership with a Federally Qualified Health Center and community partners, Latina females at risk of diet-related chronic disease who screened positive for food insecurity ( Results: Females had a mean age of 52 y (34-73 y old), with 84% indicating a household income below the federal poverty line, and 77% had children at home. Participants were recruited within 4 wk and achieved a 100% success rate in delivering food. Interview themes included cultural acceptability and satisfaction, individual and household benefits of participation, facilitators for optimal use, and barriers. At follow-up, 59% reported food insecurity compared with 92% at baseline ( Conclusions: Findings demonstrated that medically supportive groceries are feasible and acceptable for Latina females with diet-related chronic diseases and support comprehensive FIM interventions in diverse populations.