Randomized Evaluation of Voucher Interventions for Value and Effectiveness (REVIVE) in Philippines

Randomized Evaluation of Voucher Interventions for Value and Effectiveness (REVIVE) in Philippines

This study aims to evaluate whether revised food voucher programs, combined with nutrition education sessions, can improve food security, dietary quality, nutrition knowledge, and nutritional outcomes among low-income households in the Philippines. Researchers will compare different monthly voucher amounts-Philippine Peso (PhP) 3,000, PhP 5,000, and PhP 8,000-with a no-voucher control group to determine which approach is most effective.

The main questions the study aims to answer are:

• Do food vouchers improve household food security, reduce hunger, and improve dietary quality and nutrient intake?
• Do larger voucher amounts lead to greater improvements in nutrition and health outcomes?
• Does enhanced nutrition education improve nutrition knowledge and healthy eating practices?

Participants will:

• Receive either a monthly food voucher or no voucher, depending on study group assignment
• Attend nutrition education and Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) sessions if assigned to a voucher group
• Complete household interviews on food consumption, household expenditures, food security, and nutrition knowledge
• Participate in dietary assessments and anthropometric measurements for women and children under 5 years of age

The REVIVE study is a cluster-randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of revised food voucher interventions combined with nutrition-focused Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) among low-income households in the Philippines. The study will compare three monthly voucher amounts (PhP 3,000, PhP 5,000, and PhP 8,000) with a control group receiving no voucher to assess whether larger voucher values lead to greater improvements in food security, dietary quality, and nutrition-related outcomes.

The intervention includes structured food vouchers with revised allocations emphasizing protein-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables, together with nutrition education sessions delivered by trained local government staff. The study will be implemented across selected urban and rural areas in the Philippines.

Researchers will collect household- and individual-level data through surveys, dietary assessments, and anthropometric measurements to examine the effects of the intervention on household food consumption, nutrition knowledge, food insecurity, dietary quality, and nutritional status among women of reproductive age and children under five years of age. The study will also assess potential spillover effects within participating communities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Households enrolled in the REVIVE study sample drawn from Listahanan 3-eligible low-income households
• Residency within selected study clusters in the study municipalities
• Household consent to participate in the study and all survey components
• Availability of a primary respondent (meal planner or primary food preparer) willing to participate in household interviews
• For individual dietary assessment components: presence of at least one woman of reproductive age (15-49 years) and/or at least one child under five years of age, where applicable

Exclusion Criteria:

• Households unwilling or unable to provide informed consent
• Households not residing within the designated study clusters at the time of baseline data collection
• Inability to complete core survey modules due to communication barriers or other conditions preventing reliable data collection