# Community-derived Multilevel-Multicomponent Nutrition Intervention to Reduce Food Access Disparities -FRESH-EATS

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · 2024 · $192,153

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The prevalence of diet-related diseases and health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are higher among individuals in low-income neighborhoods in comparison to those in high-income communities. Reduced access to healthy and fresh produce has been linked to unhealthy dietary intakes and high rates of diet-related chronic diseases. Individuals residing in low-income neighborhoods where there is low access to healthy foods often suffer from disproportionately high levels of obesity and other diet-related health conditions. Building on our preliminary studies addressing limited food access and community resources in low-income neighborhoods, the FRESH-EATS project incorporates multiple intervention components to address multilevel factors that influence food access and dietary behaviors of families with school-aged children in low-income neighborhoods. Utilizing the NIMHD Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework, we propose to determine the feasibility of examining intervention implementation and outcome measures using a randomized controlled trial (RCT). In the FRESH-EATS project, there are four unique intervention components: (1) Evidence-based hands-on cooking and nutrition education (6-weekly 90-minute sessions – individual and interpersonal); (2) Family workshops addressing the lack of access to healthy foods and barriers in food environment (two 90 minute sessions – interpersonal and community); (3) Weekly food delivery throughout the intervention period and local food pantry information (community and societal); and (4) Community garden utilization providing fresh ingredients and garden education incorporated into the educational sessions (community and societal). The central hypothesis is that the FRESH-EATS is feasible to implement and improve dietary behaviors of children (ages 8-12) and their parents/caregivers that potentially reduce the risks of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, compared to individual-level education-only control. We will refine and finalize the intervention components (Aim 1) and determine the feasibility of the FRESH-EATS project using an RCT design (Aim 2). We hypothesize that this innovative community-derived, multilevel-multicomponent intervention is feasible to implement and has the potential to improve dietary behaviors of participants (children ages 8-12 and their parents/caregivers). The long-term goal is to establish sustainable food systems that support healthy eating habits and improve health outcomes among families in low-income communities, which is closely aligned with the NIMHD strategic vision and objectives.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10997827
- **Project number:** 1R21MD019963-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
- **Principal Investigator:** Heewon L. Gray
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $192,153
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-15 → 2026-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10997827

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10997827, Community-derived Multilevel-Multicomponent Nutrition Intervention to Reduce Food Access Disparities -FRESH-EATS (1R21MD019963-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10997827. Licensed CC0.

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