Beall, ReedToth, Aidan2023-12-112023-05-29Toth, A. (2023). Public Policy Analysis: Social Prescribing and Improving Older Adults' Access to Healthy Food (Unpublished master's project). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.https://hdl.handle.net/1880/117721https://doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/42564While federal and provincial social security programs exist that provide general economic assistance, and social and welfare services exist for addressing emergent need for food, healthy food access remains suboptimal, affecting the physical and mental health of affected populations, and older adults are especially vulnerable. This policy analysis used a modified version of Patton's Rational Problem-Solving Process: problem identification, determining evaluation criteria, identifying and assessing policy options, selecting the preferred policy, and implementing, monitoring. The policy problem used is: Too many older adults cannot afford enough healthy food to follow the nutritional advice of their healthcare providers. Six policy options were identified in a previously conducted environmental scan that systematically scanned and identified literature on programs to reduce the cost of, and improve access to, healthy foods. These policy options were evaluated using decision criteria adapted from the National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy, effectiveness, unintended effects, equity, cost, feasibility, and acceptability. Stakeholders with expertise in health service and delivery, food insecurity and social prescribing were consulted. The top policy options identified were voucher prescriptions and income support with reimbursement. Following a fulsome analysis and stakeholder feedback, the highest scoring and recommended option was income support with reimbursement.enUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.report