Improving access to healthier foods in urban restaurants

Systems Science Approaches to Improve Access to Healthier Foods: The FRESH Trial

NA · Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health · NCT05869149

This study is testing a new program called FRESH to see if working with local restaurants can help people in low-income urban neighborhoods eat healthier foods and improve their overall health.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment756 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (other)
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05869149 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance dietary quality in predominantly minority, low-income urban neighborhoods by collaborating with independently owned restaurants. It tests a novel intervention called FRESH, which focuses on engaging restaurants to promote healthier food options. The study will assess the impact of this intervention on dietary quality and health indicators within African American and Latin communities. Additionally, a system dynamics model will be developed to help stakeholders simulate and implement FRESH strategies in their own neighborhoods, potentially leading to cost savings and improved community health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-75 who regularly visit restaurants in the specified neighborhoods and live in households of at least two persons.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or plan to move out of the Baltimore or District of Columbia metropolitan area within the next 18 months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve dietary quality and contribute to cancer prevention in underserved communities.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in similar community-based interventions aimed at improving dietary quality, indicating that this approach has potential.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult (18-75 years)
* Regular restaurant customer (e.g., visits the specified restaurant at least 1x/week)
* Live in a household of at least 2 persons (criterion intended to provide a more stable sample, and to reduce loss to follow-up)
* Current resident of study neighborhood

Exclusion Criteria:

* Anticipate moving out of Baltimore or District of Columbia metropolitan area in the next 18 months
* Pregnant (due to changes in diet, weight and body composition)

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Healthy Eating Index

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.