Evaluating the Impact of a School-based Fruit and Vegetable Co-op on Cardiometabolic Child and Parents Health in a Persistent Poverty Area

Launched by THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER, HOUSTON · Aug 21, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the impact of a program called Brighter Bites, which aims to improve health by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among children and their parents in areas facing persistent poverty. The trial will compare the health of children who participate in the program with those who do not participate for nine months. Researchers will look at various outcomes, such as changes in children's blood sugar levels, how much fruits and vegetables families eat, and the overall food security status of the household.

To be eligible for this study, children must be in the 1st to 3rd grade and come from families that frequently use the free or reduced lunch program. The trial is open to all children in this age range, and it seeks to enroll about 100 students. Participants will be asked to engage with the program and share information about their eating habits and home food environment. It’s important to note that children who have participated in Brighter Bites in the past or have certain special needs may not be eligible for this study. Overall, this trial aims to help families eat healthier and improve both child and parent health in underserved communities.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 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