Cash vs. Grocery Support for Babies at Risk of Weight Problems

This research is testing two different ways to help families feed their babies better when money for food is tight. One group will receive $50 per week as unrestricted cash to spend however they choose, while another group will get the same $50 per week but as pre-ordered groceries from a local store, with help from a nutrition expert to pick healthy foods. The study wants to see which approach—or if both—can help babies avoid excessive weight gain over their first year.

Many babies in families struggling with food insecurity end up gaining too much weight too quickly, which can lead to serious health problems later in life. Researchers want to understand whether helping families get more food—and how that help is given—can improve babies' growth and health, and what actually makes the difference.