Abstract MPTU17: A Culturally Tailored, Fully Cost-Offset Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program To Improve Food Security And Diet In New York City

Abstract

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.