Partnering for Prevention: Building Healthy Habits in Underserved Communities

The overall purpose of this research study is to estimate the nutritional benefits (in terms
of intake and variety) of the Mealtime PREP intervention, as compared to, and in combination
with nutrition education programming being offered in underserved neighborhoods of the
greater Pittsburgh area. This project will examine the effects of Mealtime PREP groups as
compared with established nutrition education groups, Cooking Matters for Parents. More
importantly, this study will determine if offering these interventions in combination offers
greater benefits than each in isolation. There are two specific aims of this pilot trial.

1. To examine the effects of a combined program (Cooking Matters + Mealtime PREP) in
comparison to offering each of these programs (Cooking Matters vs. Mealtime PREP) in
isolation on child nutrition over time.

2. To explore the effects of each of these programs (Cooking Matters vs. Mealtime PREP) and
the combined program (Cooking Matters + Mealtime PREP) on parental stress and
parent/child interaction over time.

The investigators predict that children in all three arms (Cooking Matters, Mealtime PREP,
and Cooking Matters + Mealtime PREP) will demonstrate improved nutrition. The investigators
also predict that participants who receive the Mealtime PREP intervention will demonstrate
better stability of gains over time.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Parent to a child aged 1-5 years

- Speaks English

- Willing to participate in 6 or 12 weekly group sessions at local Family Support Center

Exclusion Criteria:

- Previously completed a Cooking Matters for Parents cooking class