Improving diet and health in the Osage community through a community-supported agriculture program
Official title: Osage Community Supported Agriculture Study (OCSA)
Funded at Osu Center for Health Sciences · NIH-11083638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping the Osage Nation eat healthier by providing fresh fruits and vegetables each week for six months, making it easier for families to access good food and improve their nutrition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Osu Center for Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tulsa, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $526,240 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD016191-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include Osage Nation citizens, particularly those experiencing food insecurity or diet-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the Osage Nation or those who do not face dietary challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing food access and nutrition among the Osage Nation by implementing a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. Participants will receive a weekly share of fresh produce for six months, aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable intake while reducing food insecurity. The study builds on previous successful initiatives that have shown positive dietary changes in similar populations. Through community engagement and traditional practices, the program seeks to promote Indigenous food sovereignty and improve overall health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary habits and reduced health disparities among the Osage community.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has demonstrated that community-supported agriculture programs can significantly improve diet and health outcomes in various populations, indicating a promising approach for this initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
Osu Center for Health Sciences
Tulsa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jernigan, Valarie Blue Bird — Osu Center for Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Jernigan, Valarie Blue Bird
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.