Full-Service Mobile Food Markets and Dietary Quality in Low-Income Housing Communities: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

In 30 seconds

This cluster randomized clinical trial evaluated weekly full-service mobile market service at 12 subsidized housing sites in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. Among 242 adults randomized to market service or a waiting-list control, the primary outcome—Healthy Eating Index-2020 diet quality—did not differ significantly between groups (adjusted mean difference, 1.25 [95% CI, -1.60 to 4.10]). Six of seven secondary outcomes also showed no significant between-group difference. Participants at intervention sites consumed 397 mg (95% CI, -636 to -158 mg) less sodium daily than controls, while reported satisfaction with the service was high.

Key findings

• Diet quality did not differ significantly between groups: adjusted mean difference, 1.25 [95% CI, -1.60 to 4.10].
• Intervention participants consumed 397 mg (95% CI, -636 to -158 mg) less sodium daily than waiting-list controls.
• Six of seven secondary outcomes, including fruit and vegetable intake and food security, were not significantly different between groups.
• Among participants who had ever used the market, 90 of 94 (95.7%) said they would recommend the service.

Why it matters

Mobile markets can bring affordable nutritious food to communities with low incomes and limited food access, but this trial did not show improvement in overall diet quality or most measured outcomes. The sodium finding suggests a possible dietary benefit, while the largely null results underscore the importance of assessing whether access-based programs translate into broader changes in diet and food security.

What to keep in mind

The trial included 12 housing sites in one metropolitan area, and fewer than half of intervention-site participants shopped at the market during implementation months 5 to 6. The primary outcome and most secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between groups.