Impact of Healthy Food Subsidies on Diet Quality and Food Security

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY · May 19, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how providing more financial support for buying healthy foods can improve the diets and overall well-being of families facing food insecurity. Specifically, the study will compare the effects of three different weekly coupon amounts—$27, $54, and $81—on the eating habits and food security of 276 parent-child pairs who are part of the British Columbia Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP). Over a period of 16 weeks, families will use these coupons to purchase fresh and nutritious foods at local farmers' markets, and researchers will evaluate the changes in their diet quality and food security at various points during the trial.

To participate, families must meet certain criteria, such as having a household income that qualifies for the FMNCP, having at least one parent aged 18-64 and a child aged 6-12, and living together consistently. Participants should also have internet access and be able to communicate in English. Throughout the study, families will receive guidance and support while using the coupons, and researchers will check in with them to see how the program is helping improve their food choices and overall health. This trial not only aims to make healthy food more accessible but also to understand the impact of financial support on families’ nutrition and well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Meet existing FMNCP-specific annual household income eligibility cut-offs that account for the local cost of living
• • Have 2-5 members in the household, specifically with a parent 18-64 years and a child 6-17 years. If there are multiple eligible individuals, the parent who is the primary food shopper and the youngest child will be enrolled.
• • Parent-child dyads must reside together ≥5 days/week
• • Are the only dyad in their household participating in the study
• • Have access to the internet and a camera
• • Able to communicate in English or have someone to translate
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding
• • Participating in other trials that might interfere with the intervention
• • Reside in a facility that provides meals (e.g., shelter, long-term care) or where they cannot prepare meals (e.g., hotel)
• • Anticipate being outside of their community for \>2 consecutive weeks during the study
• • Expect to move to a non-FMNCP community during the study
• • Expect a significant change in their household income or composition during the study