Farm2Fork: Use of the Health Belief Model to Increase Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Food Pantry Participants

Farm2Fork was designed using the Health Belief Model (HBM) to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by food pantry participants. The program included weekly produce distribution in conjunction with nutrition education. Surveys were conducted at program start and after 4 months. Seventy-seven participants completed pre- and post-surveys. All HBM constructs significantly improved: food security level (p = .0005), produce access (p = .0005), health value (p = .0005), and self-efficacy (p = .0005). Fruit intake increased 0.09 servings (p = .0005) and vegetable intake increased 0.75 servings (p = .0005). This study shows the effectiveness of a program guided by the HBM for increasing fruit and vegetable intake in food pantry participants.