NCT05856591 · Indiana University
Delivering Food Resources & Kitchen Skills (FoRKS) to Adults With Food Insecurity and Hypertension
(FoRKS)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the impact of a home-delivered foods and kitchen skills program on health and nutrition in adults with high blood pressure and food insecurity. Researchers will compare Food Resources \& Kitchen Skills (FoRKS) and Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) to evaluate the effects on mean systolic blood pressure (SPB), HbA1c, food security and nutrition.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the impact of a home-delivered foods and kitchen skills program on health and nutrition in adults with high blood pressure and food insecurity. Researchers will compare Food Resources \& Kitchen Skills (FoRKS) and Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) to evaluate the effects on mean systolic blood pressure (SPB), HbA1c, food security and nutrition. Participants will complete 24-hr blood pressure monitoring, standard blood pressure measurements, weight, finger stick for A1c point-of-care testing, and questionnaires.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Food Resources & Kitchen Skills (FoRKS)
Food Resources \& Kitchen Skills (FoRKS) includes 5 weeks of hypertension classes followed by 11 weeks of home-delivered Mediterranean-style ingredient kits and virtual cooking classes with embedded lessons in kitchen organization, tool use, nutrition, budgeting, and shopping.
BEHAVIORAL
Enhanced Usual Care (EUC)
Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) includes 5 weeks of hypertension classes.
Primary outcome measures
Systolic blood pressure
Time frame: End of treatment at Week 16
Mean systolic blood pressure in FoRKS experimental arm compared to Enhanced Usual Care
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Fluent in English
- Marion County resident
- 35-75 years
- Systolic BP of ≥120 in prior 12 months
- Ability to see and read street signs (self report)
- Stable housing with independent access to kitchen, including functional stove or hotplate, oven, refrigerator, and freezer (self report)
- Activity independence per functional activities questionnaire (FAQ; \<3 responses of "Require Assistance" and 0 responses of "Dependent")
- Food insecurity per first two items of USDA 18-item survey with ≥ 1 response of "Often true" or "Sometimes true" \[1) Within the past 12 months, you worried that your food would run out before you got the money to buy more; 2) Within the past 12 months, the food you bought just didn't last and you didn't have money to get more.\] OR currently listed as food insecure in Eskenazi EMR; OR currently receiving SNAP benefits.
- normal cognition per six-item screener (SIS; score of ≥ 5)
- Mean systolic BP of ≥120 from 3 standard BP measurements taken by research staff following standardized wait periods.
Exclusion criteria
- lives in nursing home
- diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer disease or mild cognitive impairment; Parkinson disease; brain tumor/infection/surgery (within the last 10 years with residual symptoms and/or functional loss/deficit, such as impaired learning, memory, or communication); psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder
- ICD 10 code I11/hypertensive heart disease, ICD 10 code I12/hypertensive CKD, ICD 10 code I13/hypertensive heart disease and CKD, ICD 10 code I15, or ICD 10 code I16
- alcohol consumption ≥ 8 drinks per week for women, or ≥15 drinks per week for men
- drug use/abuse (excluding marijuana) per EMR
- moving out of area during study timeline
- scheduling conflicts with intervention schedule
- unwilling to use a touchscreen
- unwilling to be on video conferencing
- low communicative ability, functional status, or other disorders (examiner rated) that would interfere with interventions and assessments
- unable to provide informed consent
Where
- Indianapolis, Indiana
Collaborators
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations