Food is Medicine: The Effectiveness of Delaware’s Feeding Families Program in Managing Chronic Conditions

John Oluwadero, BPharm, MA;1 Lydia De Leon, LPCMH, NCC;2 Megan Falgowski, RD;2 Eunice Holman;2 Nicole Kennedy, MPP;1 Maggie Norris-Bent, MPA;2 Heather Patosky, MBA;2 Ruthann Richardson, RD;2 Mia Seibold;1 Tara Tracy;1 Megan Werner, MD;2 Samuel VanHorne, PhD;1 & Allison Karpyn, PhD1

1. University of Delaware

2. Westside Health

Abstract

Background. The “Food is Medicine” (FIM) model bridges healthcare and food access to mitigate chronic health conditions and address social determinants of health. Objectives. This study assesses the impact of the Feeding Families (FF) program, a FIM initiative by Westside Family Healthcare in Delaware, which was conducted between February 2023 and February 2024 and designed to support individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Methods. We employed a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the program over 12 months. The FF program provided participants with nutrient-dense food, biweekly nutrition counseling, and behavioral support. Data on body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (A1C), and fruit and vegetable intake were collected from 43 participants at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint. Participant knowledge, dietary behaviors and food insecurity, changes in goal setting, consumption of sodium, sugar, and fats were also assessed. Results. Participants demonstrated significant reductions in BMI and improved dietary behaviors, including decreased consumption of sodium, sugar, and fats. While changes in A1C levels were not statistically significant, the overall trend indicated improvement. The program also led to modest enhancements in food security. Conclusion. The Feeding Families program contributes to improving health outcomes among populations with chronic diseases, particularly in reducing BMI and promoting healthier dietary behaviors around sodium, sugar, and fat consumption. Policy Implications. The Feeding Families program demonstrates the potential of integrating tailored nutrition, behavioral support, and healthcare services to manage chronic conditions through ‘Food Is Medicine’ best practices, and its impact on BMI, salt, sugar and fat reduction among other benefits. Delaware should prioritize FIM, including establishing Medicaid waivers for funding.