Community program promoting healthy eating through vegan soul food

NEW Soul D&I: Expanding the Reach of the Nutritious Eating with Soul (NEW Soul) Program

Not applicable Interventional University of South Carolina · NCT05659966

This study tests whether a community program that offers cooking classes at vegan soul food restaurants can help African American adults eat healthier and improve their overall well-being compared to just receiving food vouchers.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment228 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of South Carolina Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbia, South Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05659966 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a community-based program aimed at improving nutrition and eating behaviors among African American adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to either attend weekly in-person classes at vegan soul food restaurants with vouchers or receive vouchers only. The study will assess changes in weight, healthy eating index, and quality-adjusted life years over three months. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness analysis will be conducted to compare the two delivery approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are African American adults aged 18-65 with a BMI between 25-49.9 who can attend classes.

Not a fit: Patients currently following a plant-based diet or those with controlled diabetes may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to improved dietary habits and weight management for participants.

How similar studies have performed: While similar community-based nutrition interventions have shown promise, this specific approach focusing on vegan soul food is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Self-identify as African American
* Be between the ages of 18-65 years
* Body Mass Index between 25- 49.9 kg/m2
* Able to travel to restaurant for classes
* Be able to attend all monitoring and weekly class visits
* Be willing to be randomized to either group

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently following a plant-based diet
* Diagnosed with diabetes that is controlled by medication
* Currently pregnant or breastfeeding (or plan to become pregnant in the next 24 months)
* Under the age of 18 years old
* Over the age of 65 years old
* Currently participating in a weight loss program
* Has lost more than 10 pounds in the past 6 months
* Potential eating disorder

Where this trial is running

Columbia, South Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Nutrition, HealthyEating Behavior
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.