Connecting families to food assistance at medical clinics

This study is testing a program called I-FRESH (Implementing Food Referrals for Equity and Sustained Health) that helps families who are struggling to buy enough food. If you qualify, a social worker or care navigator at your child's medical clinic will talk with you about food assistance programs you might be eligible for—like SNAP or community food resources—and help you apply. The goal is to see whether offering this support during regular clinic visits improves both food security and your child's health.

Many families struggle to afford enough healthy food, which makes it harder for children to manage conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart problems, or digestive issues. This trial exists to test whether connecting families directly to food assistance programs at the doctor's office—rather than sending them elsewhere—actually works and helps kids get healthier.