Experiences with Pandemic Food Access Among Clinic-Based Community Supported Agriculture Program Participants.

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic intensified food insecurity (FI) across the country, and families with children were disproportionately affected. This study explores experiences with FI and social resources during the pandemic among families participating in a free, clinic-based community supported agriculture (CSA) program.

Methods: Free weekly boxes of organic produce from local farms were distributed to pediatric caregivers for 12 weeks at two pediatric outpatient centers associated with a children's hospital in a low-income, urban area.

Farm to Families: Clinic-based Produce Provision to Address Food Insecurity During the Pandemic.

With rising rates of food insecurity (FI) during the pandemic, we implemented a clinic-based, community-supported agriculture program at 2 outpatient centers in low-income areas associated with an urban children's hospital and evaluated (1) the program's ability to reach FI families without preceding eligibility criteria, and (2) caregiver experiences and preferences for programming. Free boxes of produce were distributed weekly to caregivers of pediatric patients during a 12 week pilot period. Ability to reach the target population was measured by number of participating families and caregiver demographic information.