Using behavioral economics to improve food choices at food pantries
Behavioral Economics to Implement a Traffic Light Nutrition Ranking System in a Network of Food Pantries: Study 2
This study is testing whether using behavioral economics can help food pantries in Greater Boston encourage clients to make healthier food choices.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 3750 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06298253 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests the effectiveness of behavioral economics tools to enhance the implementation of the Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) program in food pantries. A total of 30 food pantries affiliated with the Greater Boston Food Bank will be involved in a cluster randomized controlled trial, comparing a basic SWAP implementation strategy with a behavioral economics-enhanced strategy. The primary outcomes will focus on the implementation of the SWAP program and the improvement of food choices made by pantry clients, assessed at 6 and 12 months. The goal is to increase the healthfulness of foods chosen by clients through better labeling and guidance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are food pantries that are part of the Greater Boston Food Bank and serve clients who are 18 years or older and speak English or Spanish.
Not a fit: Patients who do not speak English or Spanish, or food pantries not affiliated with the Greater Boston Food Bank, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the dietary quality of food pantry clients by promoting healthier food choices.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing behavioral economics in food choice interventions have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Food pantries enrolled in the study will be partner agencies of the Greater Boston Food Bank that are maximum client choice, are located within approximately 1 hour driving time of Boston (for logistical feasibility), and are not actively using traffic-light nutrition ranking. * Food pantry clients that complete assessments must be 18 years or older and speak English or Spanish. Exclusion Criteria: * Food pantries that are not affiliated with the Greater Boston Food Bank and are not maximum client choice. * Food pantry clients that do not speak English or Spanish.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anne N Thorndike, MD, MPH — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Anne N Thorndike, MD, MPH
- Email: athorndike@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-724-4608
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.