LAUSR

Background The home environment influences health behaviors of families. Frequent family meals are associated with healthier dietary behaviors and lower BMI across children of varying ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups. Therefore, interventions that increase family meals are warranted. Objective To evaluate the impact of a healthy meal kit intervention on mealtime behaviors among low-income African American families. Study Design, Setting, Participants Low-income African American main preparers of food (n = 36) were recruited in Gainesville, Florida. Participants received meal kits for 6 weeks with ingredients for 3 healthy recipes that served 4 people, recipe cards, cooking incentives, and nutrition handouts. Data collection occurred at baseline and post-intervention via in-person surveys. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Demographic data were collected at baseline. A family mealtime behavior survey captured aspects of family mealtime and eating behaviors at baseline and post-intervention. Qualitative data were also collected post-intervention. Demographic data and family mealtime behaviors were analyzed using descriptive statistics with changes in some mealtime behaviors analyzed using a paired t-test. Results Participants were 42.5 ± 13.8 years old, primarily female (89%), had 2.3 ± 1.2 children in the household, and had a BMI of 35.4 ± 9.2. At baseline, participants cooked 3 and ate 5 meals together as a family, which did not change post-intervention (−0.3 ± 2.5; p=0.5 and 0.3 ± 1.5; P = .20, respectively). Most (86%) families were involved in preparing meals, and the intervention positively affected most (67%) family mealtimes. Fifty-three percent and 47% of the children always or often enjoyed preparing and eating the meals, respectively. Participants suggested adding kid-friendly alternatives and a dessert. Meal kits decreased stress related to shopping for food (72%) and eating together as a family (58%). Conclusion Meal kits may positively engage children in preparing and eating family meals and decrease stress associated with mealtimes. Future interventions should further assess the impact of meal kits on the dietary intake of children. Funding None.