NutriConnect: Enhancing health and food security through sustainable solutions and partnerships: Design and protocol of a pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial

  • Sang Gune K. Yoo
  • , Rachel G. Tabak
  • , Stephanie Mazzucca-Ragan
  • , Allison Primo
  • , Doneisha Bohannon
  • , Derek Hashimoto
  • , Charles W. Goss
  • , Jason HY Wu
  • , Eghonghon Eromosele
  • , Ihab Hassanieh
  • , Adam Hively
  • , Abygail Martinez
  • , Jinli Wang
  • , Mark D. Huffman
  • , Jing Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity and poor dietary intake contribute to health disparities, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Produce prescription programs aim to improve access to fruits and vegetables (F&V) for those with diet-sensitive conditions, but comparative effectiveness data are limited. Objective: To compare the impact of two produce prescription strategies, NutriConnect Credit (grocery coupons) and NutriConnect Delivery (home-delivered F&V boxes), on dietary intake, food security, and health outcomes among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations who have been recently hospitalized with diet-sensitive conditions. Methods: In this three-arm pilot trial, recently hospitalized adults with food or financial insecurity and elevated cardiovascular risk were randomized (1:1:1) to Credit, Delivery, or enhanced usual care. The primary outcome is between group difference in change in F&V intake at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include food security and self-reported health-related quality of life. Implementation outcomes are assessed using the PRISM/RE-AIM framework. Conclusion: NutriConnect seeks to provide evidence on the effectiveness and feasibility of two produce prescription strategies to inform scalable “Food is Medicine” programs targeting nutrition-related health disparities.

Original languageEnglish
Article number108083
JournalContemporary Clinical Trials
Volume158
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2025

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular
  • Disease prevention
  • Food is Medicine
  • Health equity
  • Implementation science
  • Nutrition incentives
  • Randomized controlled trial

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