Improving Health with Local Food in the Mississippi Delta
A multilevel community engaged intervention to build a sustainable and equitable food economy with food is medicine offerings in the Mississippi Delta to improve minority health and reduce disparities
This project helps communities in the Mississippi Delta create a healthier food system with local fruits and vegetables to improve the well-being of adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115721 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project involves working closely with communities in the Mississippi Delta to build a stronger local food system. We aim to increase the availability and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables, alongside offering special "food-is-medicine" programs. The goal is to see if these community-led efforts can help adults eat more healthy foods, reduce their body mass index (BMI), and improve blood sugar levels. Ultimately, we hope to reduce health differences among participating adults in the region.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older, particularly African American individuals, living in Bolivar, Washington, and Sunflower Counties in the Mississippi Delta.
Not a fit: Patients living outside the specific Mississippi Delta counties targeted by this program may not directly benefit from this particular intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this project could lead to better access to healthy food, improved nutrition, and reduced risks for obesity and diabetes for adults in the Mississippi Delta.
How similar studies have performed: While community-engaged food interventions have shown promise, this specific multi-level approach combining local food economy building with "food-is-medicine" programs in this region is being tested for its effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Tufts University Boston — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Economos, Christina D — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Economos, Christina D
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.