Caregiver-reported barriers to engagement in a paediatric fresh fruit and vegetable prescription programme

Paediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programmes hold promise in improving food security and dietary patterns among youth. However, programme success is largely dependent upon caregiver and family engagement. The current study sought to gain a better understanding of environmental barriers to engagement in a paediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programme in one low-income, urban community (Flint, Michigan, USA). Following the implementation of a paediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programme, researchers conducted thirty-two semi-structured interviews with caregivers. Researchers explored caregivers’ understanding of the fruit and vegetable prescription programme, barriers to programme engagement, and recommendations for improvement. Telephone interviews were transcribed for textual analysis. Researchers used thematic analysis to examine qualitative data, determine patterns across transcripts, and develop emerging themes. Researchers concluded interviews when data saturation was reached. The majority of participants were female (94%), African American (66%), and residents of Flint (72%). Five recurrent themes emerged: (1) nutrition security; (2) prescription distribution; (3) prescription redemption; (4) educational supports; and (5) programme modifications. Although caregivers indicated that the prescription programme addressed household food insecurity, environmental barriers to engagement were apparent. Caregivers provided suggestions, such as partnering with large grocery stores and developing digital prescriptions, to address programme engagement challenges. Fundamental to the success of fruit and vegetable prescription programmes is the understanding of barriers to engagement from the perspective of participants. This study explores challenges with one paediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programme and provides actionable solutions, from the viewpoint of caregivers, to address these challenges.