Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to Evaluate the Impact of a School-based Fruit and Vegetable Co-op on Cardiometabolic Health of Children and Parents in a Persistent Poverty Area
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Summary
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the (Brighter Bites (BB) intervention compared to a wait-list control group 9 months after the intervention on changes in primary child outcomes (HbA1c, and vegetable intake), on changes in secondary outcomes (household food security status, parent and child dietary behaviors, and home access/availability of fruits and vegetables (FV)), and the mediational influence of changes in food security status, parent outcomes, and home environment measures on changes in child outcomes.
Description
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the (Brighter Bites (BB) intervention compared to wait-list control at post intervention on changes in primary child outcomes (HbA1c, and vegetable intake), to examine the effects of the BB intervention compared to wait-list control at 9-month post intervention on changes in secondary outcomes (household food security status, parent and child dietary behaviors, and home access/availability of fruits and vegetables (FV)),to examine the mediational influence of changes in food security status, parent outcomes, and home environment measures o…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 6–9 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * enrollment of 100 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students * high proportion of children participating in the free and reduced lunch (FRL) program (\>70%) * willingness to implement a coordinated school health (CSH) program Exclusion Criteria: * Prior participation in BB in the previous school year * children or parents identified as special needs per school; or having any physical, cognitive, or psychological disability that would prevent participation in evaluation measures
Interventions
- OtherBrighter Bites
Families will receive a distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) (\~20lbs., 50 servings/family/distribution) for \~16 weeks during the school year using primarily donated produce from local food banks. Nutrition education will be implemented for children using the evidence-based Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) program and for parents using bilingual nutrition handbooks and fun food experiences such as healthy FV recipe tastings for families during produce pick-up time will be conducted.
Location
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHouston, Texas