NCT06455215 · University of Arkansas
The Community Garden Health Block
What this study is about
The goals of this community-based clinical trial are to examine the association between community garden participation and 1) fruit and vegetable intake (primary outcome) and 2) access to healthy food (secondary outcome) among adults aged 18-95 living in low resource communities.
View original scientific description
The goals of this community-based clinical trial are to examine the association between community garden participation and 1) fruit and vegetable intake (primary outcome) and 2) access to healthy food (secondary outcome) among adults aged 18-95 living in low resource communities. Gardens will be randomized to the intervention (n=4 gardens) or control group (delayed intervention, n=3 gardens). Participants will be assigned to one of seven community gardens to receive an 8-week intervention. During the intervention, participants will be asked to volunteer in the garden, participate in garden social activities, participate in healthy cooking demonstrations and educational sessions. Participants will receive educational materials as well. To assess the effects of the intervention, participants will receive a baseline, 8-week, and 6-month survey. Outcome measures will be compared between the intervention and control groups.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Community garden activities
The gardens in the intervention group will receive an 8-week intervention that includes 1) educational materials, 2) healthy cooking demonstrations, food and transportation support and 3) garden social activities. The control group will be asked to abstain from intervention activities. The control group will receive the delayed 8-week intervention one month after the intervention group.
Primary outcome measures
Fruit and vegetable intake
Time frame: From baseline to 8 weeks (end of intervention) and 6-months post intervention
We will use the five factor screener that is used to approximate intake of fruit juices, fruit, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, tomato-based sauces, potatoes, and beans
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
- Arkansas resident aged 18-95;
- live in community within 1 mile radius of a participating garden;
- speak English;
- willingness to participate in the garden as a volunteer during the study intervention period;
- not previously participated in the garden as a volunteer in past 6 months;
- scores as food insecure on 1 of any of the food security measures (i.e. food did not last, could not eat balanced meal, cut the size or skip meals and frequency at which this happens, eat less than you think you should, were hungry but did not eat);
- written informed consent;
- working phone, home address, and email; 10\) willingness to complete all survey assessments.
Exclusion criteria
- Does not live within 1 mile radius of a participating garden.
Where
- Little Rock, Arkansas
Collaborators
University of Hawaii Cancer Research Center, Coalition for a Tobacco Free Arkansas, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
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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 Jun 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations