Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of “Supper Heroes”, a family-based sustainable diet intervention

The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of “Supper Heroes”, a superhero-themed mobile health (mHealth) intervention designed to reduce food waste and increase plant-based protein food intake among families with children aged 9–14 in Ontario, Canada. A single arm, pre-post mixed methods design was used to evaluate the intervention. The 4-month mHealth intervention included 7 online modules with infographics, videos, and activities to help families reduce their food waste and eat more plant-based protein foods. Feasibility was assessed using website analytics to monitor intervention completion and attrition. Acceptability was assessed at post-intervention using online surveys of parents and children, and in-depth interviews with parents. 23 out of 30 families (77%) were retained from pre-to post-intervention; 33 parents (22 mothers, 10 fathers; and 1 parent who did not disclose their gender) completed the pre-intervention and post-intervention surveys and 33 children (16 girls; 15 boys; 1 child who did not disclose their gender; and 1 non-binary child) completed the post-intervention surveys. Most parents (95% of mothers and 100% of fathers) and children (88%) reported that they were satisfied or highly satisfied with the intervention. Overall, the intervention was feasible and well-accepted by parents and children. A randomized, controlled trial among a larger sample is recommended to further evaluate intervention impacts. These results can inform future research and public health interventions aimed at promoting sustainable diets.