A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Home-Delivered Food Box on Children’s Diet Quality in the Chickasaw Nation Packed Promise Project

BackgroundPoor diet quality among children can lead to poor health, development, and academic achievement. Child nutrition assistance programs aim improve children.ObjectiveThis study tested the impact of Packed Promise intervention on low-income in Chickasaw Nation territory.DesignThis was a cluster randomized controlled trial 40 school districts 4,750 eligible, consented households within treatment control districts.Participants/settingHousehold data were collected at baseline (n = 2,859) follow-up 2,852) 12 rural Oklahoma counties.InterventionPacked chose from 5 types home-delivered food boxes that contained nutritious foods ($38 value) $15 check for purchasing fruits vegetables.Main outcome measuresKey outcomes included children’s daily consumed amounts vegetables, whole grains, added sugars by dietary screener questionnaire. Other shopping frequency, type grocery store used, distance traveled home stores, number weekly family dinners. All this article are secondary study’s primary outcome—food insecurity children.Statistical analyses performedDifferences between groups estimated regression model controlling characteristics population-based average portion sizes.ResultsChildren’s mean consumption vegetables combined about 2.35-cup equivalents group 2.25-cup (P < 0.001). Mean grains 0.73-ounce compared with 0.67-ounce not statistically significant.ConclusionPacked led significant but small improvements grains. Several factors, including household participation levels Promise, may have moderated size impacts.Funding/SupportThis is published as part supplement supported US Department Agriculture, Food Nutrition Service.