Expanding Alabama CEAL Prescriptions for Community Health to Reduce Ultra Processed Food Consumption

Ultra processed foods make up more than half of what Americans eat and are linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. These health risks are greater in low‑income communities, where healthy foods are harder to find, grocery stores are limited, and food insecurity affects food choices.

The Alabama Community Engagement Alliance for Healthy Communities (AL CEAL) currently partners with low‑income urban and rural communities to promote healthier eating through Prescriptions for Community Health. However, while the program encourages fruits, vegetables, and physical activity, it does not yet address reducing ultra processed foods.

Assistant Professor Catheryn Orihuela, Ph.D., and Michael Wesley, Sr., D.Min., pastor emeritus of the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and community multiple principal investigator, are leading a new study to examine ultra processed food intake, food access, and food insecurity. Using community input, they will work to adapt the existing Prescriptions for Community Health program to include strategies for reducing ultra processed foods and improving health.

The Southeast Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) Research Initiative is a scientific partnership of CEAL programs based in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. This project is being funded by the Alabama-based component of this award program, co-sponsored by the UAB Comprehensive Healthy Living Research Center and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS).