Applying the RE-AIM Framework to Evaluate a Diabetes Prevention Intervention Delivered through a Food Bank

Summary

This research tested an intervention that provided healthy food and text-based health education through CareMessage to food bank clients at risk for pre-diabetes. Participants achieved significant improvements in nutrition, physical activity, and food security, demonstrating that food banks are valuable partners for community-based health programs.

Key Findings

• Participants improved their diet by consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing their intake of sugary drinks.
• Individuals significantly increased their weekly physical activity, and the majority of respondents credited the CareMessage texts with helping them exercise more.
• The program led to improved food security and a dramatic reduction in participants' reported symptoms of depression.
• Satisfaction with the CareMessage program was very high, with participants finding the messages clear, helpful, and easy to understand.

Clinical Significance

This study highlights a powerful model for public health. It proves that partnering with community organizations like food banks can effectively reach at-risk individuals. By pairing vital resources like healthy food with CareMessage's automated health education platform, this intervention achieved meaningful improvements in both physical and mental well-being. It shows how technology like CareMessage can scale support and deliver vital health information directly to patients in a convenient and engaging format.

CareMessage Product Features

Programs, Outreach

Citation

Felter, E. M., Smith, M., Cheyne, K., Orozco, M. Y., Steiner, E. A., Park, Y., & Gary-Webb, T. L. (2025). Applying the RE-AIM framework to evaluate a diabetes prevention intervention delivered through a food bank. Evaluation and Program Planning, 112, 102615.