Food insecurity during pregnancy has significant long-term health impacts on moms and babies. Mothers have greater risk of chronic conditions and complications during pregnancy, and infants are more likely to be born early and underweight.
The pilot of our Fresh Rx program showed very promising results, including 90% of babies born at healthy rates.
The second phase of our Fresh Rx program has launched. Learn more about our randomized controlled trial of 750 families by clicking here.
Fresh Food and Support
For Expectant Moms and Their Families
By providing nutrient-dense meals, Fresh Rx is preventing many of the health effects and high costs caused by food insecurity during pregnancy. For example, Fresh Rx participants are less likely to have a low-birth-weight delivery compared to women enrolled in Medicaid in the St. Louis region. Deliveries for babies born underweight cost $44,000 more than babies delivered at a healthy weight. These infants are also at risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) which costs $76,000 on average per stay.
Fresh Rx: Nourishing Healthy Starts
Program Components
Fresh Rx connects pregnant women and their families with fresh, local foods and provides resources for a healthy household
Referrals from Missouri Medicaid Health Plans
Pregnant women experiencing food insecurity in the St. Louis region are referred to Fresh Rx.
Fresh Rx Family Meals
Meal kits are delivered each week featuring fresh, locally grown produce, protein, dairy, and grains.
Culinary and Cooking Support
Cooking classes, tutorials, and problem-solving help families build skills and comfort in the kitchen.
Safety Net Enrollment Assistance
All participants receive assistance enrolling in public nutrition programs such as SNAP and WIC.
Comprehensive Case Management
Families receive help identifying and meeting their goals along with care coordination and connections to other community resources.
