1
|
Gross TT, Ludman M, Woods Barr A. "A Vulnerable Time To Be a Young Family in an Emergency": Qualitative Findings From an Exploration of an Emergency Perinatal and Infant Feeding Hotline in Louisiana. J Hum Lact 2024:8903344241253799. [PMID: 38808924 DOI: 10.1177/08903344241253799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birthmark Doula Collective, a cooperative that provides doula and lactation services in the Greater New Orleans area, mounted an emergency response after two Category 4 storms: Hurricane Laura (2020) and Hurricane Ida (2021). The response included activating a no-cost emergency perinatal and infant feeding hotline. Both disasters coincided with a resurgence of COVID-19 infections in Louisiana. RESEARCH AIM The aim of this study is to understand how an emergency perinatal and infant feeding hotline supported infant and young child feeding in emergencies during hurricanes in Louisiana. METHOD This study used a cross-sectional, retrospective qualitative design in a population with low breastfeeding rates. We conducted a content analysis of 97 hotline call logs from Hurricanes Laura and Ida, focus groups with lactation support providers who staffed the hotline during either storm (n = 5), and interviews with mothers who called during Hurricane Ida (n = 2). Focus groups and interviews lasted 30 and 60 minutes, respectively. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. RESULTS Call logs revealed infant feeding needs (e.g., mastitis, low milk supply, relactation, and infant formula requests) and non-infant feeding needs (e.g., infant supplies, perinatal and infant care referrals, shelter information). Infant formula was the most requested supply during both hurricanes. Maternal participants discussed family vulnerabilities during Hurricane Ida. Staff described training and strategies to provide support while maintaining their own well-being. CONCLUSION Providing a free emergency hotline service is one way to support pregnant and postpartum people and their families seeking infant feeding advice, supplies, and support in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyra T Gross
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Alexis Woods Barr
- Department of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Crespo-Bellido M, Fernandez Ong J, Yaroch A, Byker Shanks C. E-health Dietary Interventions for Participants of SNAP and WIC: A Systematic Review. Curr Dev Nutr 2024; 8:102099. [PMID: 38706511 PMCID: PMC11069071 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.102099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The migration of federal assistance services to online platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked interest in digital nutrition education for individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs. With federal government investing in the modernization of the nutrition education components of both programs, there is a need to identify science-backed electronic health (e-health) dietary interventions to improve health outcomes in this population. Therefore, the objective of this systematic literature review was to summarize the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of e-health dietary interventions among individuals participating in WIC or SNAP. Keyword searches were performed in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. The search included peer-reviewed literature from 2014 to 2023 and a few articles offering context about interventions used long-term by the nutrition assistance programs. PRISMA guidelines were followed to conduct this systematic literature review, which resulted in 36 articles eligible for extraction. The studies evaluated e-health (52.8%), short message service/text messaging (27.8%), and smartphone application interventions (19.4%) delivered to WIC or SNAP participants. The interventions identified aimed to modify food choice, eating behavior, and dietary intake among SNAP participants, SNAP-eligible adults, and WIC participants. Most interventions were developed using content delivery and health behavior theoretical frameworks (77.8%) and evidence-based nutritional recommendations (59.3%). Review findings show a high level of acceptability and feasibility for e-health and mobile health dietary interventions among WIC and SNAP participants but varying levels of effectiveness. Level of engagement, dosage, retention, and adherence were strong predictors of positive dietary behavior change regardless of the mode of intervention delivery. Future studies need to prioritize health equity by recruiting samples representative of food nutrition assistance participants and addressing digital health literacy as a potential barrier to intervention effectiveness, as none of the present studies measured literacy among participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amy Yaroch
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Duffy EW, Ng SW, Bercholz M, Davis CR, De Marco M, Hall MG, Maselko J, Smith Taillie L. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Participant Grocery Store Purchases during the COVID-19 Pandemic in North Carolina. Curr Dev Nutr 2024; 8:102098. [PMID: 38440362 PMCID: PMC10909627 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.102098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) experienced barriers to accessing healthy food during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we do not yet understand how WIC participant food purchases shifted during the pandemic. Objectives We aimed to describe the association between the initial shock of the pandemic in March 2020 and WIC shoppers' food purchases and changes in purchases before and during the pandemic at a top grocery chain and examine differences in these relationships by duration of WIC use. Methods We used longitudinal food transaction data from WIC shoppers (n = 2,989,116 shopper-month observations from 175,081 unique WIC shoppers) from 496 stores in a top grocery store chain in North Carolina between October 2019 and May 2021. We used an interrupted time series design to describe the following: 1) the relationship between the initial shock of the pandemic and WIC shopper food purchases and 2) differences in purchases before and during the pandemic. To assess differences in purchases between shoppers consistently using WIC electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards and shoppers starting or stopping WIC EBT use during the pandemic, we used models stratified by WIC group. Primary outcomes were share (%) of total calories purchased from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes (FV), processed foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Results We observed small decreases in the share of total calories from FV (-0.4%) and small increases in the share of calories from processed food (1.1%) and SSBs (0.5%) purchased at this retailer when comparing the pre and post March 2020 periods. Compared with shoppers that started or stopped using WIC benefits during the pandemic, shoppers that used WIC benefits consistently had slightly higher FV and lower processed food and SSB purchases at this retailer. Conclusions Future studies should examine whether additional supports for nutrient-dense food choices may be needed for families with low incomes in public health emergencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily W Duffy
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Shu Wen Ng
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Cassandra R Davis
- Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Public Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Molly De Marco
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Marissa G Hall
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Joanna Maselko
- Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kelley K, Campbell E, Steiber A, Yakes Jimenez E. Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveys of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Demonstrate Rapid Practice Changes to Address Food Insecurity During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. J Acad Nutr Diet 2024; 124:268-278.e13. [PMID: 35963532 PMCID: PMC9364914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.08.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic had worldwide economic impact, exacerbating food insecurity risk for vulnerable populations. OBJECTIVE To describe changes in practice and challenges and areas of need related to addressing food insecurity during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic for registered dietitian nutritionist survey respondents. DESIGN A cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey distributed via the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics e-mail communication platform and social media accounts from April through May 2020 (Wave 1 [W1]) and December 2020-February 2021 (Wave 2 [W2]). PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were US-based registered dietitian nutritionists practicing in community-based settings to address food insecurity (W1: n = 454; W2: n = 331). STATISTICAL ANALYSES Responses were descriptively summarized using means ± SD, medians and interquartile ranges, or number of observations and percentages. Open-ended responses were manually reviewed and organized into major themes. RESULTS Respondents had about 10 years of experience in addressing food insecurity and were most commonly involved with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, federal school nutrition programs, or food banks. Participants described increased demand for food security assistance (W1: 68%; W2: 60%). Among respondents involved in food preparation and handling (W1: n = 183; W2: n = 110), supply chain (W1: 61%; W2: 56%) and staffing (W1: 37%; W2: 50%) challenges were commonly reported. Child nutrition program professionals (W1: n = 143; W2: n = 84) reported widespread implementation of optional program waivers, with the most commonly implemented waivers allowing noncongregate meal service (W1: 83%; W2: 81%), caregivers to pick up meals (W1: 69%; W2: 85%), and flexibility in mealservice times (W1: 75%; W2: 87%). CONCLUSIONS Respondents quickly adapted programs to ensure staff and client safety while continuing to provide essential food security services. They identified the need for ongoing nutrition program policy advocacy and timely access to best practice resources during public health emergencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Kelley
- Nutrition Research Network, Research, International, and Scientific Affairs, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Elizabeth Campbell
- Legislative and Government Affairs, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alison Steiber
- Research, International, and Scientific Affairs, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elizabeth Yakes Jimenez
- Nutrition Research Network, Research, International, and Scientific Affairs, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine and College of Population Health, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Anderson CE, Whaley SE. Use of Interactive Texting Is Associated With Higher Odds of Continued WIC Participation During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Acad Nutr Diet 2023; 123:1461-1469. [PMID: 37178999 PMCID: PMC10174723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Los Angeles County (LAC), California, the demand for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, concurrent with the shift to fully remote WIC service delivery in March 2020. Technologies for facilitating remote services were critical for accommodating increases in participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to quantify patterns of remote-service utilization and to determine whether use of remote services (phone, interactive texting, e-mail, online education, video appointments) was associated with higher rates of recertification among WIC participants early in the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey with administrative data for follow-up PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: This study used data from the 2020 LAC WIC Survey and WIC administrative data to evaluate remote service utilization across LAC WIC agencies (unweighted n = 3,510; weighted n = 3,540). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Recertification on WIC, determined by the issuance of a food package in the first 2 months after the end-date of the prior certification period. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Survey data were merged to WIC administrative data to determine whether participants completed a recertification; the association of utilization of each remote service with the odds of recertification among WIC-participating children 0 to 3 years of age was assessed with multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Most survey respondents reported using phone appointments (95.5%), interactive texting (77.3%), e-mail (60.1%), and online education (71.2%) to access WIC services during 2020, and over 82% of children successfully recertified. Interactive texting utilization was associated with 27% higher recertification odds (95% confidence interval, 1%-59%); associations between all other remote services and odds of recertification were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that WIC investment in interactive texting technological infrastructure, and appropriate staff training, can help local WIC agencies successfully reach and provide high-quality services to WIC participants.
Collapse
|
6
|
Herman DR, Kimmel R, Shodahl S, Vargas JH. Examination of an Online Cooking Education Program to Improve Shopping Skills, Attitudes toward Cooking, and Cooking Confidence among WIC Participants. Nutrients 2023; 15:4177. [PMID: 37836462 PMCID: PMC10574281 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study examined if adapting the Cooking Matters (CM) curriculum to be used in an online format would improve participants' shopping skills, attitudes toward cooking, and feelings of cooking confidence, similar to the traditionally offered method, which is conducted in person. Results from factor analyses indicated that the online CM program demonstrated construct and content reliability compared to in-person (Cronbach's α ≥ 0.70). Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a decrease in shopping skills overall (F = 5.91; p ≤ 0.05), consistent across age groups (F = 3.2; p ≤ 0.05) and food security status (F = 7.48; p < 0.01), with larger impacts on the food insecure (FI). Positive cooking attitudes increased with income (F = 2.86; p ≤ 0.05), especially among the <$20,000 and $30-39,000 income brackets. Cooking confidence increased post-intervention (F = 27.2, p < 0.001), with an interaction effect for food security status (F = 7.45; p ≤ 0.01), with greater improvement for households with food insecurity. These findings provide evidence to program and policymakers that virtual nutrition and cooking education services for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) should continue to be supported beyond the pandemic as they reduce barriers to receiving program benefits, nutrition education, and may lead to reductions in household food insecurity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dena R. Herman
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - Rachel Kimmel
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - Skye Shodahl
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Suite 16-035 CHS, P.O. Box 951772, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jose H. Vargas
- Department of Psychology, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Frank TL, Jabbari J, Roll S, Ferris D, Terada T, Gilbert A, McDermott L. Connecting the Dots between Barriers to W.I.C. Access and Adult and Child Food Insecurity: A Survey of Missouri Residents. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112496. [PMID: 37299459 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Previous research has explored the impact of W.I.C. on recipients' health, but less is known about the connection between barriers to W.I.C. access and health outcomes. We fill in a gap in the literature by studying the relationship between barriers to Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (W.I.C.) access and adult and child food insecurity. Methods. After survey administration, we analyzed a cross-sectional sample of 2244 residents in Missouri who have used W.I.C. or lived in a household with a W.I.C. recipient in the past three years. We ran logistic regression models to understand the relationships among barriers to W.I.C. utilization, adult food insecurity, and child food insecurity. Results. Having special dietary needs (for adults), lacking access to technology, encountering inconvenient clinic hours of operation, and experiencing difficulties taking off work were associated with increased adult food insecurity. Difficulties finding WIC-approved items in the store, technological barriers, inconvenient clinic hours, difficulties taking off work, and finding childcare were associated with increased child food insecurity. Conclusion. Barriers to accessing and utilizing W.I.C. are associated with adult and child food insecurity. However, current policies suggest promising approaches to curbing these barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler L Frank
- Social Policy Institute, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Jason Jabbari
- Social Policy Institute, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Stephen Roll
- Social Policy Institute, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Dan Ferris
- Social Policy Institute, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Takeshi Terada
- Social Policy Institute, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Amanda Gilbert
- Social Policy Institute, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pandemic-Era WIC Participation in Wilmington, Delaware: Participants' Experiences and Challenges. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030520. [PMID: 36771226 PMCID: PMC9921907 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants faced unprecedented challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic including financial concerns, a national infant formula shortage, and rising food costs. To mitigate these challenges, the United States Department of Agriculture implemented WIC program waivers and flexibilities aiming to simplify program operations (e.g., remote appointments and food package substitutions). However, little is known about WIC participants' perceptions of these changes and their impact on in-store benefit redemption. As such, this study aimed to characterize how pandemic-related events impacted Delaware WIC participants' shopping experiences and program perceptions. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 51 WIC participants in Wilmington, Delaware. Survey measures included demographic questions, the Hunger Vital Sign, and open-ended questions regarding WIC program participation experiences during the pandemic. Data were analyzed using a hybrid inductive and deductive coding approach. The results demonstrate that WIC participants benefitted from the pandemic program's flexibilities. However, they continued to experience burdensome shopping trips as well as concerns about their ability to feed their families due to infant formula shortages and inflation. These findings indicate the importance of extending existing WIC flexibilities and providing continued support for both participants and WIC-authorized retailors.
Collapse
|
9
|
Chaney AM, Ritchie LD, Whaley SE, Tsai MM, Randel-Schreiber HR, Yepez CE, Sabatier S, Young A, Meza M, Au LE. Racial and Ethnic Comparisons in Satisfaction with Services Provided by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children in California. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020447. [PMID: 36678318 PMCID: PMC9866005 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding satisfaction of nutrition education and other services provided in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is needed to ensure the program is responsive to the needs of diverse populations. This study examined the variation of WIC participants’ perceptions and satisfaction with WIC nutrition education and services by race, ethnicity, and language preference. Phone surveys were conducted in 2019 with California WIC families with children aged 1−4 years. While most participants (86%) preferred one-on-one nutrition education, online/mobile apps were also favored (69%). The majority (89%) found nutrition education equally important to receiving the WIC food package. Racial/ethnic groups differed in which WIC service they primarily valued as 20% of non-Hispanic White people rated the food package as more important than nutrition education compared to 5% of Spanish- and 6% of English-speaking Hispanic people, respectively. More Spanish (91%) and English-speaking Hispanic people (87%) than non-Hispanic white (79%) or Black people (74%) changed a behavior because of something they learned at WIC (p < 0.001). Spanish-speaking Hispanic people (90%) had the highest satisfaction with WIC nutrition education. Preferential differences among participants suggest that providing flexible options may improve program satisfaction and emphasizes the need for future studies to examine WIC services by race and ethnicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alana M. Chaney
- Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-706-288-6833
| | - Lorrene D. Ritchie
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
| | - Shannon E. Whaley
- Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC, 12781 Schabarum Avenue, Irwindale, CA 91706, USA
| | - Marisa M. Tsai
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
| | - Hallie R. Randel-Schreiber
- Communicable Disease Prevention Unit, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 101 Grove St, Rm 406, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
| | - Catherine E. Yepez
- Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC, 12781 Schabarum Avenue, Irwindale, CA 91706, USA
| | - Susan Sabatier
- WIC Division, California Department of Public Health, 3901 Lennane Drive, Sacramento, CA 95834, USA
| | - Adrian Young
- WIC Division, California Department of Public Health, 3901 Lennane Drive, Sacramento, CA 95834, USA
| | - Martha Meza
- Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC, 12781 Schabarum Avenue, Irwindale, CA 91706, USA
| | - Lauren E. Au
- Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Otten JJ, Averill MM, Spiker ML. Food security and food access during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impacts, adaptations, and looking ahead. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2022; 47 Suppl 1:S11-S15. [PMID: 36470236 PMCID: PMC9877670 DOI: 10.1002/jpen.2445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to alter US household food consumption and food spending. Although terminology used to describe food insecurity has varied during the COVID-19 pandemic, many reliable estimates illustrate a dramatic increase in food insecurity from approximately 10% of US households before the pandemic to 25%-30% of households during the pandemic, with an even higher prevalence reported by more vulnerable and socially disadvantaged populations. To address the increase in food and economic insecurity, food and nutrition assistance policies and programs made innovative and temporary changes, and enrollment in these programs generally increased. However, some changes to food, nutrition, and income assistance programs are now expiring or contracting even as food insecurity prevalence is again on the rise and elevated food and nutrition assistance needs are expected to persist based on historical patterns. American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) practitioners can play an important role in identifying clients at elevated risk of food insecurity-related acute and chronic conditions and connecting high-risk clients to resources. ASPEN practitioners can contribute to the evidence base linking food insecurity and nutrition outcomes. ASPEN practitioners can also advocate for addressing the root social and structural determinants of food insecurity and for the continuation of effective food and nutrition policy changes and innovations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J. Otten
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Nutritional Sciences Program, School of Public HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Michelle M. Averill
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Nutritional Sciences Program, School of Public HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Marie L. Spiker
- Nutritional Sciences Program, School of Public HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Au LE, Whaley SE, Hecht CA, Tsai MM, Anderson CE, Chaney AM, Vital N, Martinez CE, Ritchie LD. A Qualitative Examination of California WIC Participants' and Local Agency Directors' Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Acad Nutr Diet 2022; 122:2218-2227.e21. [PMID: 35811065 PMCID: PMC9259507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The U.S. Department of Agriculture granted waivers to allow flexibility in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, however research examining the associations between waiver introduction and changes in perceptions, practices, and challenges of WIC participants' and agency directors' experiences is limited. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess California WIC participants' and agency directors' perceptions and practices of remote WIC services during the COVID-19 pandemic. A secondary aim was to understand other COVID-19 challenges related to maintaining access to healthy foods by WIC participants. DESIGN A qualitative study which included semi-structured interviews was conducted between June 2020-March 2021. PARTICIPANTS /Setting: 182 WIC participants with a child 0-5 years old from 3 regions of California (southern, central, northern) and 22 local WIC agency directors across the state were interviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES WIC participants' and agency directors' perceptions, practices, and other challenges during COVID-19. STATISTICAL ANALYSES Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS Participants shared that they valued the information received from WIC and were very satisfied with remote WIC services. Participants reported that enrolling in WIC remotely was easier than coming in-person. All waivers and changes to WIC operations, namely the physical presence, remote benefit issuance, and separation of duties waivers, and remote work and remote delivery of nutrition education, were largely viewed by WIC agency directors as options that should be continued post-pandemic. Further, a majority (63%) of households reported experiencing food insecurity, and half of respondents received food from a food bank or pantry during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest WIC will attract and retain the most families by offering a 'hybrid' model of services, incorporating both on-site services and remote options in order to work more efficiently and effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Au
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, California.
| | - Shannon E Whaley
- Director of Research and Evaluation, Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC, Irwindale, California
| | - Christina A Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Marisa M Tsai
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Christopher E Anderson
- Director of Research and Evaluation, Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC, Irwindale, California
| | - Alana M Chaney
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Nicole Vital
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Catherine E Martinez
- Director of Research and Evaluation, Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC, Irwindale, California
| | - Lorrene D Ritchie
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| |
Collapse
|