Partnering for Prevention: Building Healthy Habits in Underserved Communities

Partnering for Prevention: Building Healthy Habits in Underserved Communities

This pilot study will estimate the unique and additive benefits of two parent-training programs (Cooking Matters for Parents and Promoting Routines of Exploration and Play during Mealtime) offered in undeserved communities.

The overall purpose of this research study is to estimate the nutritional benefits (in terms of intake and variety) of the Mealtime PREP intervention, as compared to, and in combination with nutrition education programming being offered in underserved neighborhoods of the greater Pittsburgh area. This project will examine the effects of Mealtime PREP groups as compared with established nutrition education groups, Cooking Matters for Parents. More importantly, this study will determine if offering these interventions in combination offers greater benefits than each in isolation. There are two specific aims of this pilot trial.

1. To examine the effects of a combined program (Cooking Matters + Mealtime PREP) in comparison to offering each of these programs (Cooking Matters vs. Mealtime PREP) in isolation on child nutrition over time.
2. To explore the effects of each of these programs (Cooking Matters vs. Mealtime PREP) and the combined program (Cooking Matters + Mealtime PREP) on parental stress and parent/child interaction over time.

The investigators predict that children in all three arms (Cooking Matters, Mealtime PREP, and Cooking Matters + Mealtime PREP) will demonstrate improved nutrition. The investigators also predict that participants who receive the Mealtime PREP intervention will demonstrate better stability of gains over time.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Parent to a child aged 1-5 years
• Speaks English
• Willing to participate in 6 or 12 weekly group sessions at local Family Support Center

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previously completed a Cooking Matters for Parents cooking class