Applying the RE-AIM framework to evaluate a diabetes prevention intervention delivered through a food bank

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity correlates with poorer general health and health outcomes, increased risk for chronic diseases, including diabetes, and increased healthcare expenditures.

Objective: To describe the application of the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an intervention aimed at improving diet, physical activity, and food security of food bank clients who were at risk for prediabetes.

Methods: Food bank clients in Alameda County, CA were screened for eligibility and enrolled (n = 249) in a 12-month program that provided supplemental healthy food, text-based targeted health promotion education, connection to community-based diabetes prevention programs (DPP), and referrals to healthcare. Project staff collected data through baseline, 6- and 12-month surveys, stakeholder interviews, and text-message engagement levels. We employed the RE-AIM framework to analyze program reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.

Results: There was high eligibility for, and interest in, the program. Program participants reported significant improvements in physical activity, nutrition, food security scores, and high satisfaction levels. However, connecting participants to DPP programming was challenging due to the infrastructure for DPP programs.

Conclusions: Food banks can effectively address prediabetes risk factors in food-insecure populations, but significant challenges remain in scaling DPP infrastructure for at-risk populations.

Keywords: Food bank; Food insecurity; Prediabetes; RE-AIM.