Honors Theses
Date of Award
Fall 12-13-2024
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Anne Cafer
Second Advisor
Meagan Rosenthal
Third Advisor
Yunhee Chang
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Food prescription programs are an innovative strategy to address food insecurity and to promote health as a preventative measure, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Mississippi has high rates of chronic diseases relating to nutrition, poverty, and limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Throughout this research, I have analyzed program funding and sustainability mechanisms such as community investment, nutrition education, and awareness. The preliminary research has identified the need for collaboration between healthcare providers, local farmers, nonprofit organizations, and government officials. I interviewed various individuals that could become potential stakeholders for food prescription programs, such as individuals from nonprofit organizations and the Mississippi Department of Health. I then analyzed those interviews to operationalize themes and codes within the text. Interviewees stated how there were many barriers in regards to food insecurity as well as food prescription programs. Some barriers they talked about were access, funding, and effectiveness/repeat participants. In order to sustain though, many people suggested unity. The community stakeholders need to have constant communication. Support is going to be the main thing during all of these as food prescription programs need to be sustained with the government funding being limited. Food Prescription programs offer a preventative approach to chronic illnesses as well as a way of addressing food insecurity in rural communities. The sustainability on the program that I have found through my research for my literature review as well as my own research conducted depends on collaborative efforts from and between the community, investments in nutritional education to help people understand the risks of improper nutrition as well as the benefits of proper nutrition, possible continued government support as it pertains to produce, and long term stakeholders that will implement the program within communities and keep it going.
Recommended Citation
Davis, Eve, "Sustainability of Food Prescription Programs in Rural Mississippi" (2024). Honors Theses. 3185.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3185
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