Advancing North Shore Community Health Through Ocean-raised and faRm-grown Foods (ANCHOR Study)

Advancing North Shore Community Health Through Ocean-raised and faRm-grown Foods (ANCHOR Study)

This study is testing a new way to support healthy eating by providing free meal kits through a food pantry. Adults who use The Open Door food pantry will receive meal kits that include fresh produce, seafood, and other ingredients, along with simple recipes and optional cooking demonstrations, over a 3-month period. The goal is to learn whether these meal kits are helpful, easy to use, and a good fit for the community. Researchers will also look at whether they help improve access to healthy foods, diet quality, and confidence with cooking. Participants will be asked to complete short surveys at the beginning and end of the study, and some may be invited to join a group discussion to share their experiences. Overall, the study aims to improve programs that connect people to healthy, locally sourced food and to inform future efforts to support nutrition and food access in the community.

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants must meet all of the following:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a client of The Open Door food pantry in Gloucester, MA
• Be able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under age 18
• Unable to provide informed consent
• Have a food allergy, medical condition, or dietary restriction that makes it unsafe to eat the study foods (e.g., seafood or milk allergy, liquid diet)
• Another member of the same household is already participating (only one participant per household)
• Planning to move out of the area within the next 4 months
• Previously participated in a healthy meal kit program at The Open Door
• Do not have reliable transportation to pick up meal kits