Improving access to healthier foods in local restaurants
Systems Science Approaches to Improve Access to Healthier Foods: The FRESH Trial
This study is all about helping people in city neighborhoods eat healthier by working with local restaurants to offer better food choices, and it’s designed for anyone who wants to improve their diet and health while enjoying meals out.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10890107 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing dietary quality in urban neighborhoods by improving access to healthier food options in independently owned restaurants. The project aims to implement a novel intervention called FRESH, which promotes healthier menu items and engages restaurant owners to increase the availability of nutritious foods. By using systems science approaches, the study will evaluate the impact of these changes on the dietary habits and health of regular customers. Additionally, data collected will help create a model that allows communities to simulate the effects of similar interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in predominantly minority, low-income urban neighborhoods who frequently dine at independently owned restaurants.
Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in urban areas or do not frequent independently owned restaurants may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary habits and reduced cancer risk for individuals in underserved communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous interventions targeting food environments in retail settings have shown success, suggesting potential for similar outcomes in restaurant settings.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gittelsohn, Joel — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Gittelsohn, Joel
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.