Canton

Researchers are conducting the Mississippi Community Engagement Alliance (MS CEAL) Fostering Community Solutions project to address health challenges and social factors affecting populations in Mississippi. The study focuses on improving nutrition security by examining whether adding a nutrition education program to a food box distribution increases fruit and vegetable consumption. It also aims to train community nutrition liaisons to support sustainable nutrition strategies. Outcomes include dietary habits, knowledge about food, and clinical measures like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. The study is a 12-month project enrolling 400 adults across four sites. Participants receive a 6-month intervention with follow-ups at 9 and 12 months. One group gets bi-weekly food boxes containing fresh produce, grains, and legumes along with bi-weekly nutrition classes led by a Registered Dietician. The other group receives only the bi-weekly food boxes during the intervention and can join the education classes afterward. Participants are involved through receiving food boxes and attending nutrition classes or follow-ups. Researchers measure fruit and vegetable consumption from baseline through 6 months after intervention completion. They also assess changes in perceptions, knowledge of diet, and clinical health outcomes. The study tracks training success of community nutrition liaisons and community outreach efforts throughout the project.