Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality

PROJECT PURPOSE

OFMQ, in collaboration with ONIE, will implement an expansion of OKFresh, a partnership between health care providers, famers markets, and other community stakeholders to identify food insecure populations and provide these individuals and families with fresh fruits and vegetables. OKFresh is a program funded through the Walmart Foundation that currently operates in Lawton, Muskogee, and OKC. OKFresh will expand throughout the state and engage underserved individuals and families by providing incentives to buy fresh, quality produce and food bearing plants from local farmers markets and distributors. OKFresh will engage local health care providers and utilize EHR technology to identify eligible patients and refer them to the program. OFMQ will provide technical assistance to clinicians to implement population health interventions and enhance care coordination efforts. Additionally, OKFresh will host ?Weeks of Wellness? within identified food insecure communities to promote preventive health care services, education, and access to local options for physical activity and healthy foods. We will use behavioral change strategies to encourage adoption of healthy eating practices and sustain positive health outcomes. Through completion of this project OKFresh will advance digital incentive-based nutrition programs, implement best practices for eliminating food insecurity, and improve population health outcomes.

EVIDENCE

OKFresh has been successfully operating in Muskogee, Lawton and OKC since 2020. The program has had nearly 600 participating families attend farmer?s markets and over 20,000 pounds of produce provided through incentives. Evidence-based studies support positive outcomes from small financial incentives to increase the use of SNAP at farmer?s markets. Program strategies align with Healthy People 2030 goals and address health disparities by improving access to foods that support healthy eating patterns. Additionally, aspects of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Outcome Studies (DPPOS) are incorporated to promote sustainable health outcomes through lifestyle and behavior change.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The primary population of focus for OKFresh is Oklahomans suffering from food insecurity. According to a study done by the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma 55 counties contain food deserts, and 45 of our 77 counties have 50% or more of the population living in areas with low access to food. OKFresh will cover various regions of the state to target food insecure communities and serve those most vulnerable including the elderly, ethnic and racial minorities, families with children, low-income and rural populations. The pandemic has not only increased food insecurity among vulnerable populations but has also created a decrease in health care utilization and spending, specifically related to preventive and routine care. According to a study in MMWR, four out of ten adults in the US reported avoiding medical care because of COVID-19. OKFresh will train health care providers to screen for social determinants of health and resolve gaps in care that have resulted from the pandemic and provide tools to refer patients to healthcare and wellness services. America?s Health Ranking 2021 annual report has Oklahoma ranked 47th for food insecurity and 48th for both avoided care due to cost and nutrition & physical activity.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

OFMQ has developed a workplan to track project activities, financial expenditures, communications, timelines, and responsible parties. OKFresh partners will have access to a shared Smartsheet that tracks project measures and deliverables documented by the farmers markets real time using an iPad. OFMQ will evaluates the program's acquisition, activation, impact, and retention. Data collection and tracking are completed for program eligibility, participant surveys, and food insecurity screening within primary care practices. OKFresh will also work with participating farmers markets to measure the dollar amount participants spend at the market, pounds of produce distributed, and the purchase method.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma