Improving health equity through nutritious meals and local economic support
Official title: Achieving health equity through food as medicine and medically tailored meals: local economic opportunity
Funded at Equiti Foods, LLC · NIH-10922608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping people in underserved communities eat better by providing them with healthy, affordable, and tasty frozen meals that fit their culture, so they can improve their health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Equiti Foods, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,923 |
| NIH project number | 1R41MD019570-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from historically disadvantaged communities, particularly those at risk for diet-related chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the targeted communities or who do not face diet-related health disparities may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing diet-related health disparities in historically disadvantaged communities by providing medically tailored meals (MTMs) that are healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate. The approach involves collaborating with local farms and businesses to create nutritious frozen meals, known as Good Bowls, which aim to improve dietary quality and food security among high-risk populations. By understanding the most effective ways to implement these programs, the research seeks to reduce chronic disease risk and healthcare costs associated with poor nutrition. Patients will benefit from access to these meals, which are designed to meet their dietary needs and preferences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the health outcomes of individuals in underserved communities by providing them with better access to nutritious food.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in improving health outcomes through similar Food is Medicine approaches, indicating a promising potential for this research.
Where this research is happening
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Equiti Foods, LLC
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ammerman, Alice S — Equiti Foods, LLC
- Study coordinator: Ammerman, Alice S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving access to healthy food for communities in need
This study is looking at how providing healthy, affordable frozen meals called Good Bowls can help improve the health of blue-collar workers in low-income and ethnic minority communities, especially in rural areas where finding nutritious food can be tough.
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.