Food Choices Made by Young Adults Living with HIV in a Unique Medically Tailored Grocery Program

Katrina Schroeder Smith* and Micaela Rennick

Introduction: A balanced, nutrient-dense diet improves quality of life in people living with HIV (PLHIV), yet this population experiences disproportionately high rates of food and nutrition insecurity. Food is Medicine (FIM) programs for PLHIV have been associated with reduced internalized stigma, improved food security, and positive clinical outcomes, but there is limited research on FIM interventions for adolescents and young adults with HIV. 

Methods: The Medically Tailored Grocery (MTG) Program at Boston Children’s Hospital allows adolescents and young adults with LHIV who choose Instacart Fresh Funds to utilize a $200 monthly allowance within food category restrictions. We evaluated Fresh Funds participation from March 2024 to February 2025 and assessed fund usage, purchasing patterns, nutritional quality of purchased foods, and opportunities for nutrition education. Purchase reports were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. 

Results: Median monthly spending per participant was $141.64, with a bimodal distribution peaking at $0–$20 and $180–$200. Participants spent the highest percentage of their allotted funds on protein (29%), vegetables (23%), and fruit (20%), while grains accounted for the least amount spent (5%). Bread and yogurt were identified as important areas for nutrition education, as participants purchased the most products with added sugars in these categories. 

Conclusion: While some participants consistently used their full allowance of Fresh Funds, a substantial portion underutilized the funds. Overalan MTG program providing healthy groceries for PLHIV allows them to shop on their own for pre-identified healthy foods, thus increasing their intake of nutritious foods, especially lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

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Published on: Aug 30, 2025 Pages: 9-15

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/jhcsr.000040
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