Central Texas Food Bank Mobile FARMacy Evaluation

Study Overview

The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB), located in Austin, Texas, is a food bank that serves a 21-county region in Central Texas and supports over 530,000 food-insecure individuals annually through a variety of programs, including a network of food pantry partners, mobile distributions, social service enrollment, and community-based programs. In 2023, the CFTB launched a Food is Medicine (FIM) program called the Mobile FARMacy. The Mobile FARMacy is a traveling one-aisle grocery store that offers clients a unique walk-through shopping experience featuring a variety of fresh produce and other healthy food choices. Modeled after a farmer’s market, the Mobile FARMacy provides clients access to select foods that meet their dietary needs with flavors and food they enjoy. Through partnerships with health clinics, the program provides fresh groceries to Central Texans at risk of chronic illnesses and food insecurity.

In partnership with the CTFB Research and Health + Wellness teams, this project aims to evaluate the outcomes and impact of their Mobile FARMacy program, including participation through an equity lens, and identify areas for improvement.

Future Direction

In a continuation of our work with the CTFB, we are looking towards assessing the impact of a community-based FIM program on the mental health, social health, and physical health of CTFB Mobile FARMacy participants through increased access to mental health resources and Registered Dietitian appointments. More to come soon!