Date

5-2026

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collaborative Health and Human Services

Abstract

Low consumption of nutritious food is a significant problem in Watsonville and is associated with negative health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, a non-profit in Watsonville, offers the Veggie Rx program, which provides medically tailored produce boxes and nutrition counseling to patients with qualifying health conditions. An evaluation was conducted to assess its effectiveness by examining participants’ use of the produce and identifying areas for improvement. Data was collected through phone surveys of participants who had already completed the program and one-on-one interviews with dietitians. Findings from the data indicated that the program increased participants’ consumption of fresh produce, with high utilization and improved health outcomes, while also providing insights into areas for improvement, including the need for recipes, a list of produce in boxes, and cooking demonstrations to support better utilization. To measure the success of this intervention, results were shared with staff through a presentation, and a post-presentation survey was distributed. Based on the post-presentation survey results, all staff respondents agreed that the evaluation met its intended purpose, identified areas for improvement, and supported the implementation of additional program components, indicating that the intervention was successful. As a result, Veggie Rx will add components to improve the program, including recipes and a list of produce items in each box.

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