Meals for Change can help
The University of Notre Dame is leading this one-year research project, called Meals for Change, that looks at whether improving access to healthy food, along with health education, can improve people's health and well-being.
About This Study
Many people and families worry about having enough healthy food. This is called food insecurity. It can happen when money or resources are limited. Food insecurity can make it harder to stay healthy.
In St. Joseph County, Indiana, many residents, especially in South Bend, face challenges getting reliable access to healthy food. Local reports show that finding affordable, nutritious food is a real concern for many people in the community. This can increase stress and raise the risk of long-term health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
Programs like SNAP (food assistance) help, but they do not solve all the challenges. That is why new approaches are needed.
The project brings together trusted local partners who already help provide fresh and frozen meals to the community:
- Unity Gardens, a network of community gardens in South Bend
- Cultivate Food Rescue, an organization that prepares and shares healthy, ready-to-eat meals
Participants will be part of a research study for about one year.
- Learn about your access to food and eating habits.
- Ask about your health and collect measures like blood pressure, weight, and height.
- Look at how food access and health education may affect health over time.
This helps researchers understand what works and how to improve programs in the future.
This project aims to:
- Improve access to healthy food
- Reduce stress related to food insecurity
- Lower the risk of chronic diseases
- Improve quality of life
If successful, this program could be expanded to help other communities across Indiana and the United States.
Participants may receive
- Some participants may receive ready-made, frozen meals
- Easy-to-understand health education sessions
- Support to help you make food choices that fit your life
- Additional, nutrition-related resources
- Gift cards
The goal is to make it easier to access nutritious food and improve overall health.
Please complete this screener if you are interested in joining the study.
- Adults aged 18-55 and living in the South Bend area.
- Adults who may sometimes have limited access to food.
- Please complete this screener if you are interested in joining the study.
Scan QR code to complete screener
Our commitment to you
Respectful, private, and voluntary participation
Participation is voluntary
Your information will be kept private
The study is designed to be respectful, safe, and helpful.
Contact Us
If you have additional questions, please contact the study team either via text (574-485-0882) or via email (ndnutrition@nd.edu).