Improving food support for hospitalized children and their families

Food-based Randomized trial for Enhancing Support of Hospitalized children and their families (FRESH)

NIH-funded research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11048381

This study is looking at how giving food support, like meal cards for the hospital and grocery gift cards, can help low-income families feel less hungry while their child is in the hospital, making it easier for them to care for their little one and improving everyone's health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project IDNIH-11048381 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of providing food support to low-income families during pediatric hospitalizations. It aims to alleviate hunger among parents of hospitalized children, which can impair their ability to care for their child. The approach includes offering meal cards for hospital cafeterias and grocery gift cards post-discharge to families facing food insecurity. By addressing these needs, the research seeks to improve both parental well-being and child health outcomes during and after hospitalization.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are families with children aged 0-11 who are experiencing food insecurity during hospital stays.

Not a fit: Patients who are not facing food insecurity or those whose families can afford adequate food during hospitalization may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce food insecurity among hospitalized families, leading to better health outcomes for children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous interventions in similar settings have shown success in reducing parental hunger and improving family support during hospitalizations.

Where this research is happening

Cincinnati, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.