Increasing Use of SNAP Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Programs for Families With Food Insecurity
University of South Carolina
Summary
Investigator will test an intervention to increase use of a fruit and vegetable incentive program in South Carolina for families in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) experiencing food insecurity. Caregivers are randomized to an intervention or an education-only, wait-list control group. The investigators hypothesize the intervention will improve diet-related outcomes, above and beyond the education-only wait-list control.
Description
This study will test an intervention to increase use of a fruit and vegetable incentive program for families in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) using a randomized controlled trial design. Caregivers are randomized to the intervention or an education-only wait-list control group. All caregivers are given brief education about a SNAP fruit and vegetable incentive program. Caregivers in the intervention are also given an initial "free trial" of this program and free home delivery. The primary aim is to examine intervention efficacy on diet-related outcomes.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 2–10 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary caregiver 18+ years of age * Has a child 2-10 years of age * Speaks English * Screens positive for food insecurity * Currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) * Lives with a feasible radius for home delivery * Consistent access to a phone that receives text messages Exclusion Criteria: * Anticipate no longer being enrolled in SNAP during the study duration * Recent use of the SNAP fruit and vegetable incentive program * Caregiver or child has a medical condition that impacts their ability to eat fruits and vegetables * Caregiver…
Interventions
- BehavioralVeggie Vouchers
Caregivers will receive brief education about a SNAP fruit and vegetable incentive program in South Carolina during their child's pediatrician visit. Following the visit, caregivers will receive a "free trial" of this SNAP program to encourage first-time use. After the free trial, caregivers can continue purchasing the same fruit and vegetable boxes at a steeply discounted price using their SNAP card. Free home delivery during the "free trial" and for all subsequent boxes purchased at a discounted rate will be offered during the full study duration.
Location
- University of South CarolinaColumbia, South Carolina