Developing an assessment tool to measure the outcomes of social prescribing of healthy food

This project will develop a tool which can measure, over time, a range of potential benefits from social prescribing of healthy food. The tool will support WellFed Cornwall to measure health benefits for individuals, such as reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and improved wellbeing. It will also evaluate wider benefits for society, such as reduced demand on the health care system or lower carbon emissions.

Project lead: Mark Wilson (University of Bath)

Project collaborators: WellFed Cornwall network, Caroline Verfuerth (Cardiff University), Nick Nash (University of Bath)

Findings

1. The WellFed intervention was successful in encouraging healthier diets. Both survey and interview data indicate increased confidence in buying, preparing and cooking fresh vegetables. There was increased intake of fruit and vegetables and a decrease in eating sugary snacks and ultra-processed meals.
2. This healthier diet is associated with multiple positive health outcomes. The average HbA1C level (blood sugar) decreased over the intervention period and the pilot participants reported other benefits such as losing weight. Demand for GP appointments decreased over the intervention period.
3. The intervention motivated increased levels of physical activity. Participants reported being physically active more frequently and experienced greater enjoyment and ability to be physically active.
4. The intervention encouraged people to take part in community activities more often and, as a result, they feel more involved in their community. There was an improvement in their general feeling of wellbeing.
   

Suggestions for further research

One area of future research is to build consensus on the most appropriate set of metrics for evaluating the success of community food initiatives in providing multiple, diverse potential benefits (i.e., climate + physical health + wellbeing). Many previous studies have relied on ad-hoc evidence, but a more standardised approach which captures robust qualitative and quantitative evidence is more likely to influence policy makers and funding bodies.

A second area of future research is identifying and understanding the barriers to implementing dietary health interventions. Previous studies have focused individual barriers, such as the participants’ lack of food knowledge and capabilities. However, this study identified contextual barriers such as a difficulty in accessing healthy food in nearby shops. There were also barriers to the intervention delivery, such as a lack of engagement or capacity from health care providers which comprise the referral routes.

Poster Presented at the AFN Big Tent 2025