Mobile app to improve food pantry services and access to healthy foods
Official title: Developing a Support Application for Food Pantries (SAFPAS) to Improve Client Access to Healthy Foods & Enhance Emergency Preparedness
Run by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health · NCT05880004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new mobile app designed to help food pantries in Baltimore provide better access to healthy foods and improve their services for clients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 537 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 14, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05880004 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are regular clients of food pantries in Baltimore who are 18 years or older and can use a mobile app.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant, at risk medically or behaviorally, or lack access to a smartphone or Wi-Fi may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to develop and evaluate the Support Application for Food Pantries (SAFPAS), a mobile app designed to enhance food pantry operations and client access to healthier food options in Baltimore. The study will involve collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure the app meets the needs of food pantry staff and clients, followed by a randomized controlled trial comparing pantries using the app to those that do not. The app will facilitate volunteer management, client choice, and emergency preparedness, ultimately aiming to improve food security and dietary health among clients. Findings will inform a larger-scale trial to assess the app's broader impact across multiple cities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this app could significantly improve access to healthier foods for food pantry clients and enhance the operational efficiency of food pantries.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving food access and pantry operations, suggesting potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Regular client of the food pantry (visit food pantry/order from one or more participating food pantries at least 1 time/month), for the past year, identified by food pantry personnel Adult (18 years or older) * Willing and able to use a mobile app through a smart phone (or other device) for making electronic Choice (echoice) selections and engaging in other communications Exclusion Criteria: * Anticipate moving out of Baltimore in the next 12 months (for pilot study) * Pregnant (due to changes in diet, weight and body composition) * Medically or behaviorally at risk as indicated by the food pantry * No access to a smart phone or other web-enabled device and Wi-Fi
Where it's running
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joel Gittlesohn, PhD — Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Cara Shipley, BS
- Email: cshiple9@jhu.edu
- Phone: (410)502-6961
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.