"Eat Well" Program for Food Insecurity

SP
Overseen ByStudy Principal Investigator
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Institute for Medical Research, Inc.
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a program providing Veterans with vouchers for fruits and vegetables can improve health and reduce healthcare service use. It targets Veterans facing food insecurity, particularly those with high blood pressure and either diabetes or obesity. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive produce vouchers for either 6 or 12 months, or to continue with their usual care without vouchers. Veterans in North Carolina who have experienced food insecurity and recently used healthcare services may be well-suited for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers Veterans a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance their health and well-being.

What prior data suggests that the "Eat Well" program is safe for Veterans?

Research has shown that programs like the "Eat Well" initiative, which provide funds for fruits and vegetables, are generally safe and well-received. A large study examined data from 22 locations across the United States and found that these programs improve diet and food security without causing major negative side effects. Participants did not report any serious problems from using the program.

The "Eat Well" program aims to assist Veterans by offering financial support to purchase fruits and vegetables, improving health for those who struggle to afford enough food. Since the program involves financial aid for buying produce, it avoids health risks associated with taking pills or undergoing medical procedures. Instead, it promotes better nutrition, potentially leading to improved health.

Overall, evidence suggests that the "Eat Well" program safely helps people access healthy foods and potentially enhances their health without significant risks.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the "Eat Well" program because it directly addresses food insecurity by providing participants with $100 monthly benefits to improve their diet over 6 to 12 months. Unlike standard care, which may include general nutritional advice without direct financial support, this program offers tangible resources and education to help individuals manage their health and nutrition more effectively. By integrating financial assistance with enrollment instructions for existing VA programs, the "Eat Well" program aims to empower participants to make sustainable, healthy lifestyle changes.

What evidence suggests that the "Eat Well" program could be effective for improving food security among Veterans?

Research has shown that programs like the "Eat Well" produce prescription program can improve health. In this trial, participants in the "Eat Well 6-months" arm will receive $100/month of Eat Well benefits for 6 months, while those in the "Eat Well 12-months" arm will receive the same benefits for 12 months. One study found that these programs help people eat more fruits and vegetables, boosting heart and metabolic health. Another large study demonstrated that produce prescriptions make it easier for people to access enough food and improve their diets in various locations. The nutrition education included in Eat Well also aids people in making healthier food choices, which is crucial for managing conditions like diabetes. Overall, these programs have shown promising results in improving diet and health.16789

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

Food Insecurity Risk
I have a valid email address.
I have been hospitalized or visited the ER or outpatient clinic in the past year.
See 2 more

Exclusion Criteria

Living in a nursing home or residential facility where meals are prepared

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive $100/month of Eat Well benefits for either 6 or 12 months, along with instructions on enrolling in existing VA programs for health self-management and nutrition education

6-12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c levels, and healthcare utilization from baseline to 12 months

12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Eat Well

How Is the Trial Designed?

3

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Eat Well 6-monthsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Eat Well 12-monthsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group III: Standard of CareActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Institute for Medical Research, Inc.

Lead Sponsor

Genentech, Inc.

Industry Sponsor

Trials
1,578
Recruited
569,000+
Ashley Magargee profile image

Ashley Magargee

Genentech, Inc.

Chief Executive Officer since 2024

MBA from Harvard University, BA from Princeton University

Levi Garraway profile image

Levi Garraway

Genentech, Inc.

Chief Medical Officer since 2021

MD, PhD

Rockefeller Foundation

Collaborator

Trials
3
Recruited
29,600+

Citations

1.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39111387/

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