Food as Medicine Research

Community Servings is currently conducting three studies examining the impact of using Food As MedicinE (FAME).

Current Studies

Community Servings is conducting three studies examining the impact of using Food As MedicinE (FAME). The studies are randomized clinical trials in partnership with researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. To date, over 350 individuals have enrolled in the FAME studies.

  • Study 1: Food As MedicinE for Diabetes (FAME-D)
  • Study 2: Food As Medicine for HIV and Diabetes (FAME-H)
  • Study 3: Food As Medicine for Families (FAME-F)

Study 1: FAME-D

This study with 200 participants examines the impacts of medically tailored meals and structured nutrition counseling on the health outcomes of individuals living with type 2 diabetes and experiencing food insecurity.

Click here for answers to FAQs.

Study 2: FAME-H

This study examines the impacts on health outcomes of one year of one-on-one structured nutrition counseling coupled with our medically tailored meals for individuals living with HIV, experiencing food insecurity, and living with either type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or a high risk for diabetes.

We are actively recruiting 200 individuals from the communities throughout Community Servings’ service area to participate. Qualifying participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, which are detailed below.

Click here for answers to FAQs.

Group 1 Will:

  • Receive 10 medically tailored meals (5 lunches, 5 dinners, milk and some other snack items) from Community Servings. These meals will be delivered to your home each week for 12 months.
  • Receive 20 lifestyle change coaching sessions over the phone with a dietitian.
  • Complete four study session calls where you answer questions about food, health, and social circumstances.
  • Receive a nurse home visit. Until further notice, the nurse will follow strict COVID-19 safety measures, draw blood, take your blood pressure, and measure your height and weight.
  • Be sent a $20 gift card upon enrollment and again after completing check-ins with a nurse at six and twelve months. At month 18, participants will receive a $50 gift card after completing a final check-in with a nurse. 
  • Continue to receive meals from Community Servings once the study is over by submitting the recertification paperwork.
Apply to FAME-H Study

Group 2 Will:

  • Receive 10 medically tailored meals (5 lunches, 5 dinners, milk, and some other snack items) from Community Servings. These meals will be delivered to your home each week for 12 months.
  • Receive a phone check-in call with a dietitian at 6 and 12 months from the start of the study.
  • Complete four study session calls where you answer questions about food, health and social circumstances.
  • Receive a nurse home visit. Until further notice, the nurse will follow strict COVID-19 safety measures, draw blood, take your blood pressure, and measure your height and weight.
  • Be sent a $20 gift card upon enrollment and again after completing check-ins with a nurse at six and twelve months. At month 18, participants will receive a $50 gift card after completing a final check-in with a nurse. 
  • Continue to receive meals from Community Servings once the study is over by submitting the recertification paperwork.
Apply to FAME-H Study

Study 3: FAME-F

Through the American Heart Association’s HealthCare x Food Initiative and in partnership with the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, this study examines the impacts of different meal strategies and delivery methods on 100 participants receiving medically tailored meals. It compares feeding individuals vs. households and delivery by dedicated drivers vs. commercial shipping. Key outcomes include diet quality, loneliness, food security, and satisfaction with the program.

Research Management

Our research team consists of three dedicated individuals committed to expanding the body of evidence on using food as medicine and medically tailored meals.

  • Gabrielle Dedier, Research and Community Partnerships Coordinator
  • Colleen Forrest, Senior Research Project Manager
  • Katharine Newell, Research Dietitian

For questions or more information, email or call 617-522-7777 and ask to speak with the research team.

Community Servings has achieved high ratings by GuideStar & Charity Navigation and is an accredited FIMC Member.

Community Servings
179 Amory Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617.522.7777
Fax: 617.522.7770
Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved Community Servings.
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