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

Top Things to Know

Home-delivered fruit and vegetable boxes reduce logistical barriers and may lead to higher intake.

Restricting coupons to dietitian-approved items helps align financial incentives with health goals, ensuring that food prescriptions function as targeted nutritional therapy rather than general assistance.

Engaging patients immediately post-discharge and integrating produce prescriptions into clinical workflows can support recovery and reduce readmissions.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The NutriConnect trial is a three-arm randomized pilot study evaluating two produce prescription strategies (biweekly grocery coupons and home-delivered fruit and vegetable boxes) compared to enhanced usual care. The study targets socioeconomically disadvantaged adults recently discharged from a hospital with diet-sensitive conditions and food insecurity. The primary outcome is the change in fruit and vegetable intake over six months, with secondary outcomes including food security and self-reported health-related quality of life. Preliminary findings suggest that delivery may lead to greater increases in produce consumption due to convenience and accessibility. Implementation outcomes are being assessed using the PRISM/RE-AIM framework to evaluate reach, fidelity, cost, and sustainability. The study aims to inform scalable Food Is Medicine programs that address nutrition-related health disparities.