Produce Purchase Incentive for Nutrition in Pregnancy

(FOOD4MOMS Trial)

Overseen By Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Yale University

Disqualifiers: Not pregnant, Not Hartford, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

150 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The study will include women enrolled during the second trimester of pregnancy who will be provided with a specific amount per month for 10 months to purchase produce. Women will be provided with up to three nutrition education sessions and will be sent text message reminders to redeem their incentives every month and to provide them with nutrition tips. The study will use a co-design approach to utilize feedback from potential participants as well as participants at multiple time points in the process to improve the intervention and make it more relevant and impactful to our population.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on nutrition and produce incentives, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Produce purchase incentive for Nutrition in Pregnancy?

Research shows that financial incentives for buying fruits and vegetables can lead to increased purchases and consumption of these foods. For example, a study found that low-income families bought more fruits and vegetables when they received a rebate on these items, and another study showed that low-income women used vouchers to buy a variety of fresh produce. These findings suggest that similar incentives could be effective in encouraging healthier eating during pregnancy. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the produce purchase incentive program safe for participants?

The studies reviewed did not report any safety concerns related to the produce purchase incentive programs, suggesting they are generally safe for participants. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

How does the produce purchase incentive treatment differ from other treatments for nutrition in pregnancy?

The produce purchase incentive treatment is unique because it uses financial incentives to encourage pregnant women to buy more fruits and vegetables, which is different from traditional nutritional supplements or dietary advice. This approach directly addresses the cost barrier to healthy eating by providing rebates or vouchers, making it easier for low-income families to access fresh produce. ^{1 3 8 9 10}

Research Team

Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, PhD

Principal Investigator

Yale University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for pregnant Latina women in their first or second trimester, living in Hartford with low income (involved in WIC, SNAP, or Medicaid), and who speak English or Spanish. It aims to help them make healthier food choices by providing a monthly produce purchase incentive.

Inclusion Criteria

Low income (participating or enrolled in WIC, SNAP, or Medicaid)

Living in the city of Hartford

Pregnant during first or second trimester

Exclusion Criteria

Any individual not meeting the specified inclusion criteria will be excluded from the study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive monthly produce prescriptions and attend up to three nutrition education sessions

10 months

1 required session, up to 2 optional sessions (virtual or in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in produce intake and household food insecurity

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Produce purchase incentive

Trial Overview The intervention being tested provides financial incentives for purchasing produce and includes up to three nutrition education sessions along with monthly text reminders. The study will incorporate participant feedback throughout the program to enhance its effectiveness.

Participant Groups

Group I: pregnant Latina women Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Pregnant Latina women in Hartford CT enrolled during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Participants will be provided with up to three nutrition education sessions and will be sent text message reminders to redeem their incentives every month and to provide them with nutrition tips.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Yale University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

Wholesome Wave

Collaborator

Trials

3

Recruited

450+

Hispanic Health Council, Inc.

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

1,100+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of a Rewards-Based Incentive Program on Promoting Fruit and Vegetable Purchases. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating the effect of individually-targeted food incentives on grocery purchases: The smart cart study protocol for a randomized controlled cross-over trial. [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Choices made by low-income women provided with an economic supplement for fresh fruit and vegetable purchase. [2007]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of financial incentives for the purchase of healthy groceries on dietary intake and weight outcomes among older adults: A randomized pilot study. [2019]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How the Gus Schumacher Produce Prescription Program Works: An Adaptation of a Nutrition Incentive Theory of Change. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

5 a day fruit and vegetable intervention improves consumption in a low income population. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Monitoring changes in the nutritional content of ready-to-eat grain-based dessert products manufactured and purchased between 2005 and 2012. [2021]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nationwide expansion of a financial incentive program on fruit and vegetable purchases among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants: A cost-effectiveness analysis. [2016]

9. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Programs for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Participants: A Scoping Review of Program Structure. [2021]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Double Up Food Bucks: A Qualitative Evaluation of Usage, Impact, Barriers, and Facilitators. [2021]