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American Heart Association

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Final ID: MPTU17

A Culturally Tailored, Fully Cost-Offset Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program To Improve Food Security And Diet In New York City

Abstract Body: Introduction: Community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs are an evidence-based approach to improve food security and diet. However, cost, accessibility, and cultural disconnect in produce offerings create barriers to participation, particularly for low-income individuals and communities of color.

Objective: To pilot the East Flatbush Produce Program (EFPP), a 100% cost-offset, culturally tailored CSA in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York—a neighborhood with elevated rates of food insecurity and cardiometabolic disease.

Methods: The EFPP was co-developed with four community partners and a local rooftop farm. Adults who could travel weekly to one of the pick-up sites (BCQL or CAMBA) and could speak English, Haitian Creole, or Spanish were eligible for participation. Individuals received five different types of vegetables weekly (~$20 value; 20 weeks at BCQL; 15 weeks at CAMBA); offerings were tailored to the Afro-Caribbean (BCQL) and Latine (CAMBA) communities. Bilingual nutrition education was offered throughout the program. Individuals completed pre- and post-program surveys and Veggie Meter readings—an objective measure of produce intake. Individuals at BCQL additionally completed a mid-point survey. The analytic sample includes individuals who completed the baseline assessment during June-August 2025 and did not drop out (BCQL: n=84; CAMBA: n=25)

Results: On average, participants were 46 years old; 74% female; most identified as either Black (BCQL: 68%) or Latine (CAMBA: 48%); and 51% spoke a language other than English at home (BCQL: Haitian Creole; CAMBA: Spanish). Prevalence of food insecurity was high (BCQL: 59%, an additional 18% had unknown food security; CAMBA: 88%). Produce intake was below dietary recommendations (~2.5-3 cups/day). Weekly pick-up attendance was 62% at BCQL and 71% at CAMBA; 15% of BCQL and 21% of CAMBA pick-ups occurred by alternate pick-up personnel. The mid-point survey at BCQL (n=51) showed high program satisfaction (96% would recommend the EFPP). To improve EFPP engagement, the top suggestions were: financial incentives or losses (61%), improving access via transportation vouchers or additional pick-up times (41%), and additional types of food offerings (33%). Post program assessments will be completed by November 2025.

Conclusions: The EFPP demonstrated the feasibility and community acceptability of a cost-offset CSA. Preliminary data provide insights on how to tailor the CSA to improve future participation.
  • Lecroy, Madison  ( NYU Grossman School of Medicine , New York , New York , United States )
  • Alleyne, Olivia  ( NYU Grossman School of Medicine , New York , New York , United States )
  • Dowd, Rhyden  ( Brooklyn Grange , Brooklyn , New York , United States )
  • Stacke, Gareth  ( Brooklyn Grange , Brooklyn , New York , United States )
  • Denoon, Gizan  ( Brooklyn Center for Quality Life , Brooklyn , New York , United States )
  • Araya, Faven  ( Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health , Brooklyn , New York , United States )
  • Gordon, Yomaha  ( Caribbean Women's Health Association , Brooklyn , New York , United States )
  • Charles, Kimberly  ( NYU Grossman School of Medicine , New York , New York , United States )
  • Chebli, Perla  ( NYU Grossman School of Medicine , New York , New York , United States )
  • Trinh-shevrin, Chau  ( NYU Grossman School of Medicine , New York , New York , United States )
  • Yi, Stella  ( NYU Grossman School of Medicine , New York , New York , United States )
  • Author Disclosures:
Meeting Info:

EPI-Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026

2026

Boston, Massachusetts

Session Info:

Non-Medical Drivers of Health

Tuesday, 03/17/2026 , 05:00PM - 07:00PM

Moderated Poster Session

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