NCT06445530 · Johns Hopkins University
Nutrition Optimization and Community Upliftment for Postpartum Recovery
(NOURISH-GDM)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to better understand how different strategies, timing, and enhancements to medically tailored food delivery will address structural inequities in the food environment, empower communities to sustain behavior change, and ultimately improve postpartum weight control to prevent type 2 diabetes-a potent contributor to disparate mortality among Black women.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to better understand how different strategies, timing, and enhancements to medically tailored food delivery will address structural inequities in the food environment, empower communities to sustain behavior change, and ultimately improve postpartum weight control to prevent type 2 diabetes-a potent contributor to disparate mortality among Black women. The main aims of the study are: * To conduct a pilot randomized control trial to test the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a multi-component Medically Tailored Food (MTF) intervention, Moveable Feast ENHANCED (a hybrid MTF intervention with a patient-activated change from prepared meals to fresh food delivery, customized for postpartum people, culturally customized for engagement and adherence, and food provision for dependents) versus MFeast Usual Care (prepared medically tailored foods only) * To test sustainability and scalability. Participants will: * Respond to online surveys (supported by study team members via scheduled phone calls) via REDCap links shared before each study visit at baseline, 3, 6 months post-delivery after the baseline survey. * Submit anthropometric data (i.e, weight) and information about laboratory results ( e.g.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
MFeast ENHANCED
Intervention group will initially receive prepared MTF (low carbohydrate, low-fat meals, which have been shown to improve glycemia in people with prediabetes) delivered by MFeast (10 meals weekly); Tailored Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) delivered by dieticians from MFeast via monthly phone calls and focused on only: ↓sugar-sweetened beverages and ↑fruit and vegetable consumption; Lactation snack bundles to boost milk supply + structural support for breastfeeding/pumping via lactation consultants and pumping supply subsidization; culturally-adapted seasoning bundles; and dependent meal boxes for children in the household (i.e., will include 10 developmentally appropriate snack and small meal bundles, for up to 24 weeks. At postpartum week 8 participants will be offered a transition from prepared medically tailored meals to Instacart fresh food delivery (via study team-crafted virtual grocery store) for 16 more weeks.
BEHAVIORAL
MFeast Usual Care
Those assigned to the "MFeast Usual Care" group will receive prepared MTF delivered by MFeast and as needed MNT from 1 to 24 weeks postpartum.
Primary outcome measures
Participant Enrollment Rate
Time frame: 6-8 months postpartum
Participant Enrollment Rate as assessed by the percentage of participants consented/enrolled compared to the total eligible participants
Participant Retention
Time frame: 6-8 months postpartum
Retention as assessed by the percentage of participants completing all study follow-up visits among all enrolled participants.
Adherence as assessed by self-reported food consumption scores and photographs sent to the study team via secure messaging app
Time frame: 6-8 months postpartum
Consumption scores range from 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%, indicating the amount of food consumed the prior week (self and dependents scores reported).
Satisfaction as assessed by focus groups and the 8 item Client Satisfaction Questionnaire- (CSQ-8)
Time frame: 6-8 months postpartum
Participants rate satisfaction with the intervention's meal quality, delivery service, and likelihood of recommending the service to others at study completion, to assess the extent to which the intervention met their needs and preferences. Scores range from 8 to 32, with higher values indicating higher satisfaction.
Participant Engagement assessed by frequency and quality of meal discussions
Time frame: 1-6 months postpartum
Analyze the messaging app and Slack Channel to determine the frequency and quality of discussions about meals and recipes.
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
- Age ≥18 years
- Self-identify as Black or African American
- Low-income (defined as eligible for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits)
- Speak English as a primary language
- Identify as a primary meal planner/preparer
- Gestational diabetes
- Gestational age \>37 weeks
- Have a BMI \> 30 (calculated based on chart review of height and weight measurement)
- Willing to take part in the intervention and data collection procedures through online surveys
Exclusion criteria
- Mothers who have social support i.e. have family members preparing meals for the mother
- Mothers who are unlikely to be at the primary residence in the postpartum period
- Mothers with very specific dietary needs, i.e, food allergies, picky eaters, vegetarian / vegan
- Mothers whose birth outcome is a stillborn
- Mothers who have serious mental illness
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Collaborators
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
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 Sep 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations