Researchers received a $2.9 million grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to work toward improving food insecurity in Indiana and ultimately improve the health of Hoosiers.

Individuals who experience food insecurity — inconsistent access to affordable and nutritious food — are more susceptible to a variety of health conditions, including hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.

Patients who participated in the pilot program in 2021 had meals delivered to their homes that included low amounts of sodium and carbohydrates, and they received an essential set of cooking tools to make their meals. In addition, they joined eight to 10 other participants for twice-weekly cooking courses and joined Eskenazi Health’s hypertension management course.

The average attendance during the pilot study was 87%. Mean satisfaction was 4.7 out of 5 for the delivered foods and 4.9 out of 5 for the hands-on cooking class.

With the new grant, researchers will soon launch a randomized trial of 200 patients in Indianapolis. Ultimately, the participants will experience lower mean systolic blood pressure as a result of the study. They also will monitor food security and nutrition as well as the cost-effectiveness and behavioral mechanisms, such as learning engagement, self-efficacy and food resource management skills.