COMMITTEE CHAIR: Dr. Janet Antwi

TITLE: IFRU VEG CART: A PILOT STUDY OF A MOBILE PRODUCE DELIVERY PROGRAM AND FOOD INSECURITY AMONG STUDENTS AT AN HBCU

ABSTRACT: Food insecurity and inadequate fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption remain major public health concerns among students in college, especially those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), where structural inequities and limited campus resources increase vulnerability. This mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 6-week mobile produce delivery intervention at Prairie View A&M University, a rural HBCU in Texas. 100 students in a convenience sample were allocated randomly to home/residential/mobile delivery (n=50) or on-campus pickup (n=50). The intervention included weekly fresh produce distribution valued at $15 per participant, two live cooking demonstrations with recorded sessions, weekly asynchronous nutrition education, and MyPlate-based messaging informed by Social Cognitive Theory, the Health Belief Model, and the Socio-Ecological Model. Quantitative outcomes measured at baseline and endline included skin carotenoid levels (Veggie Meter®), the Healthy Eating Index-2015 supported by 24-hour dietary recalls for diet quality, the Short 10-Item Fruit and Vegetable Dietary Assessment Tool, food security status using the USDA six-item module, nutrition knowledge, and anthropometric measures. Qualitative data from pre- and post-focus groups and open-ended surveys explored participant experiences, perceived barriers, and program satisfaction. Retention was 97%. Both delivery methods demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability, with home/residential/mobile delivery participants reporting greater convenience, reduced transportation barriers (62.0% vs. 28.0%, p<.001), and improved feelings of safety (46.0% vs. 20.0%, p=.006). Significant improvements were observed in both groups for Healthy Eating Index scores (pickup: +21.61, p<.001; home/residential/mobile delivery: +16.99, p=.001), nutrition knowledge (pickup: +2.60, p<.001; home/residential/mobile delivery: +3.28, p<.001), self-reported F/V intake (pickup: +0.74 servings, p<.001; home/residential/mobile delivery: +0.87 servings, p<.001), and food security status (pickup: -2.00, p<.001; home/residential/mobile delivery: -2.82, p<.001). Skin carotenoid levels increased modestly but were not statistically significant. Program fidelity was high, with completion rates of 97.3% for home/residential/mobile delivery and 91.7% for pickup. Overall, 99.0% would recommend the program.

Qualitative findings indicated improved produce access, enhanced cooking confidence, reduced stigma surrounding food assistance, and a strong preference for home/residential/mobile delivery because of convenience and reduced transportation burden. Persistent barriers included limited healthy food options, time constraints, and inadequate cooking facilities. Findings support scalability.

Keywords: Food insecurity, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake, mobile produce delivery, college students, Veggie Meter®, dietary quality

Location Online:

Zoom Link: https://pvpanther.zoom.us/j/93154125884?pwd=3sBzRzH1De6KDcGlhgE19aYL6VXilo.1

Meeting ID: 931 5412 5884
Passcode: 665514