This study, funded as part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Systems for Action research program, evaluates the effectiveness of an aligned service delivery and financing model designed to improve maternal and infant health by helping Medicaid-eligible persons receive access to healthy foods during pregnancy. The Nourishing Beginnings program uses integrated data, screening and referral systems combined with community health worker support to link people in need with healthy food delivery from a local food bank or with direct cash assistance for food purchases. The study uses a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of the program, including the relative advantages of providing food delivery versus cash assistance. The study is conducted by Case Western Reserve University in collaboration with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the Cleveland Department of Public Health, United Way of Cleveland, CareSource, MetroHealth, University Hospitals, and other community partners.

Principal Investigator: 
Elaine Borawski, PhD, MA, MA
Angela Bowen Williamson Professor of Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Co-Investigator:
Chris Mundorf, PhD, MPH
Chief Strategy Officer, Better Health Partnership

Project Partners:
Alissa Glenn, PhD(c), MPP
Director of Community Health and Nutrition, Greater Cleveland Food Bank

Jennifer Sanchez, MPH, CPH
Food as Medicine Coordinator, Greater Cleveland Food Bank

Project Details:
Year: 2023
Funding Amount: $499,852
Status: Active