Pilot Study of Food Rx and Best Feeding Practices to Improve Nutrition and Prevent Chronic Disease Among EFNEP Participants

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of combining Food Rx and Best Feeding Practices within EFNEP participants through a pilot study. The study will test the FFYF feeding curriculum materials and procedures, including staff training, recruitment, and data collection, to support chronic disease prevention. It focuses on improving dietary habits, childhood obesity, food selection, and feeding behavior among parents of young children. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups over an 8-week period nutrition education only, nutrition education plus feeding practices, or nutrition education plus feeding practices combined with Food Rx. All groups receive program materials in English and Spanish, with ongoing support via weekly phone calls or text messages. The Food Rx group will receive bi-weekly Food Rx cards redeemable for fresh produce and other healthy foods for up to 9 months, totaling 18 redemptions. Participants will be involved in online activities, video viewings, and facilitated discussions alongside the curriculum. Researchers will evaluate changes in feeding practices using the Food Parenting Inventory at baseline and three months after the intervention. Study staff will maintain contact with participants to encourage engagement. The total participation includes an 8-week intervention with extended Food Rx benefits and follow-up assessments to monitor outcomes and acceptability.

Integrating Food Rx With Best Feeding Practices With EFNEP