Mississippi community program to improve nutrition access using food boxes and local nutrition classes
Mississippi Community Engagement Alliance (MS CEAL): Fostering Community Solutions
This program will test whether adding nutrition education to food box distributions helps adults 18-75 who identify as Black/African American, Latinx, or Choctaw in Mississippi eat more fruits and vegetables.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Mississippi Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Canton, Mississippi and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07071064 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The Fostering Community Solutions project compares food box distribution alone to food boxes plus structured nutrition education delivered at community sites. Adults aged 18-75 who self-identify as Black/African American, Latinx, or Choctaw will be enrolled at sites in Canton, Choctaw, and Greenwood, Mississippi. The primary outcome is change in fruit and vegetable consumption, with secondary outcomes including changes in dietary knowledge and perceptions; the project will also recruit and train community nutrition liaisons to support long-term local strategies. The effort is led by the University of Mississippi Medical Center in partnership with Mississippi Food Network, Mississippi State University, and local community organizations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 18-75 in Mississippi who self-identify as Black/African American, Latinx, or Choctaw and who are not pregnant, cognitively impaired, or already enrolled in another food box or nutrition education program.
Not a fit: People who are pregnant or planning pregnancy within 12 months, have cognitive impairment, have food allergies worsened by the boxes, or are already enrolled in similar programs are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase fruit and vegetable intake and build local capacity to support lasting nutrition security.
How similar studies have performed: Previous community-based nutrition education paired with food distribution has produced modest increases in fruit and vegetable intake, so this approach builds on established but variably successful methods.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-identify as Black/African American, Latinx, or Choctaw * Age between 18-75 Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive impairment * Pregnant or plans to become pregnant within 12 months * Currently enrolled in a food box delivery program or nutrition education program * Food allergies that will be exacerbated with food box distribution
Where this trial is running
Canton, Mississippi and 3 other locations
- Grace Episcopal Church — Canton, Mississippi, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Choctaw Health Center — Choctaw, Mississippi, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Locust Grove MB Church — Greenwood, Mississippi, United States (Recruiting)
- Cade Chapel - Center for Family Life, Inc. — Jackson, Mississippi, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Caroline E Compretta — University of Mississippi Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mary M Saulters
- Email: msaulters@umc.edu
- Phone: 601-815-8339
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.