Improving access to healthy food for families in underserved communities
Official title: Community-derived Multilevel-Multicomponent Nutrition Intervention to Reduce Food Access Disparities -FRESH-EATS
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-10997827 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping Black and African American families, especially kids aged 0-11, eat healthier by making it easier to access good food and learn how to cook nutritious meals through fun workshops.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,153 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MD019963-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997827 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are families with children aged 0-11 living in low-income, predominantly Black/African American neighborhoods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in the targeted low-income neighborhoods or do not have children in the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the high rates of diet-related diseases among Black/African American families, particularly children aged 0-11, by improving access to healthy foods. The FRESH-EATS project will implement a series of community-based interventions, including cooking and nutrition education workshops, to empower families with the knowledge and skills needed to make healthier dietary choices. By utilizing a randomized controlled trial approach, the project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing food access disparities and improving health outcomes. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and discussions that address both individual and community-level barriers to healthy eating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary habits and reduced rates of obesity and diabetes among participating families.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with community-based nutrition interventions aimed at improving food access and dietary behaviors in underserved populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gray, Heewon L. — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Gray, Heewon L.
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.