(P24-124-23) Hospital-Farm Partnership Effectively Improves Food Access and Decreases Social Isolation Among Older Adults

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate a Hospital-Farm food access program on fruit and vegetable access and intake, and perceptions of social isolation after program participation.

Methods: A Hospital-Farm partnership developed a Farmers’ Market Program (FMP) to increase access and intake of produce in three Boston-area communities. New Entry Sustainable Farming Project provided fresh, locally grown produce during the growing season (June to October 2020) to Lahey Hospital Medical Center-affiliated Councils on Aging to distribute produce to older adults. In October 2020, trained interviewers conducted a survey via phone of older adults who received produce bags. The survey included questions on demographics, fruit and vegetable (F/V) access and intake, and social isolation. The response rate was high, 116 of 176 participants completed the survey.

Results: Respondents were mostly female (82%), White (90%), aged over 70 years (80.4%) with an age range 57-91 years, had at least one chronic disease (83%), and as likely to live alone or with others (50%). Over half of the participants had an income < 30,000 USD. Most respondents reported increased fruit and vegetable access (78.1%) and intake (68.6%) after program participation. Respondents reported that participation in the FMP successfully mitigated their feelings of social isolation. Reduced feelings of isolation were reported by both those who lived alone (70 %) and those who lived with others (54%). Respondents reported that the FMP gave them a reason to leave the house (80%), and that they left their house more often (53%) because of the FMP during the COVID pandemic. Nearly 75% reported that it was important to them that the FMP provided social opportunities.

Conclusions: Community-based partnerships are effective in fulfilling a dual purpose of increasing food access while decreasing feelings of social isolation among older adults. Food access programs would benefit from assessing program impacts on social isolation.

Funding Sources: The US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and University of Massachusetts Hatch MAS00564