Increasing access to fruits and vegetables for families facing food insecurity
Increasing Use of SNAP Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Programs for Families With Food Insecurity
This study is testing whether providing free fruits and vegetables to families on food assistance can help them eat healthier compared to families who only receive nutrition education.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 296 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbia, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06828445 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention aims to enhance the use of a fruit and vegetable incentive program for families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) who are experiencing food insecurity. Caregivers will be randomly assigned to either receive the intervention, which includes a free trial and home delivery of fruits and vegetables, or to an education-only control group. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention on improving diet-related outcomes compared to the control group. The primary focus is on assessing how the incentive program impacts the dietary habits of participating families.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are primary caregivers aged 18 and older with children aged 2-10 who are enrolled in SNAP and experience food insecurity.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have consistent access to a phone for communication or who have medical conditions affecting their ability to consume fruits and vegetables may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the dietary habits and overall health of families facing food insecurity.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar incentive programs aimed at improving dietary habits among low-income families, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary caregiver 18+ years of age * Has a child 2-10 years of age * Speaks English * Screens positive for food insecurity * Currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) * Lives with a feasible radius for home delivery * Consistent access to a phone that receives text messages Exclusion Criteria: * Anticipate no longer being enrolled in SNAP during the study duration * Recent use of the SNAP fruit and vegetable incentive program * Caregiver or child has a medical condition that impacts their ability to eat fruits and vegetables * Caregiver or child has a significant food allergy, preference, or intolerance that impacts their ability to eat fruits and vegetables
Where this trial is running
Columbia, South Carolina
- University of South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Elizabeth Adams, PhD
- Email: elizabeth-adams@sc.edu
- Phone: 803-777-0269
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.