Introduction: People living with HIV (PLWH) are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and life adversity that may contribute to increased risk for diabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions through diet and stress-related mechanisms. Thus, nutrition-based interventions designed to support physical and mental wellbeing may be particularly helpful for this population. Formative evaluation, defined as the collection and review of feedback during program development to improve outcomes, is underutilized in food is medicine (FIM) research. The aim of this study is to describe findings from our formative evaluation of a FIM intervention, including foods and curricular components, to better ensure its acceptability and utilization as part of an upcoming randomized controlled trial. Methods: The NOURISH-OK (Nutrition to Optimize, Understand, and Restore Insulin Sensitivity in HIV for Oklahoma) study aims to address insulin-resistance and other comorbidities experienced by people living with HIV through a FIM intervention. We conducted a total of 5 focus groups (n=21) using semi-structured discussion questions among people living with HIV with a history of food insecurity. Questions generated discussions about food box contents, related recipes, and excerpts from the self-care curriculum and a food “sorting” activity allowed participants to share what food box items they would and would not eat and why. Transcribed audio recordings and photographs from the food sorting activity were analyzed for major themes related to food preferences and curriculum needs. Results: Major themes during analysis included a strong preference for familiar and versatile foods, such as canned chicken and dehydrated vegetables and frequent rejection of unfamiliar or otherwise unliked items, such as tofu, sardines, and lentils. Most participants voiced limited knowledge of the relationship between nutrition and socioemotional wellness and requested the curriculum provide more explicit examples of how food can be used to support these aspects of health. Curriculum-specific feedback detailed participants’ preference for simplicity and the ability to choose how to engage with the curriculum including a printed workbook, online access to materials, and the option to receive text message reminders. Discussion: This formative evaluation identified multiple opportunities for improving components of the NOURISH-OK intervention to help it better align with the community’s stated interests and needs. Feedback will be used to guide revisions to the curriculum, including more information about the connection between food and stress and recipes that combine familiar and unfamiliar food items to promote overall consumption of the food box items.