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Mossenson S, Giglia R, Pulker CE, Dhaliwal SS, Chester M, Bigwood R, Pollard CM. The Nutritional Quality of Food Donated to a Western Australian Food Bank. Nutrients 2024; 16:509. [PMID: 38398833 PMCID: PMC10891512 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Food banks provide an indispensable service to people experiencing severe food insecurity. Food banks source donations from across the food system; however, the food redistributed to clients across the developed world is nutritionally poor. This, together with the increasing prevalence of diet-related diseases and food insecurity, has prompted a focus on nutritional quality. Despite more food being distributed via food banks in Australia, the nutritional quality of donated food remains unreported. This study analyzed all food (84,996 kg (1216 products)) donated to Foodbank WA over a 5-day period using diet-, food-, and nutrient-based nutrition classification schemes (NCSs). A total of 42% (27% of total weight) of donated food products were deemed 'unsuitable' and 19% (23% by weight) were 'suitable' according to all NCSs. There was no agreement on 39% of products (50% by weight). Overall, NOVA and the Healthy Eating Research Nutrition Guidelines (HERNG) (κ = 0.521) had the highest level of agreement and the ADGs and HERNGs the lowest (κ = 0.329). The findings confirm the poor nutritional quality of food donated to food banks and the need to work with donors to improve the food they donate. Fit-for-purpose nutrition guidelines are urgently needed for Australian food banks to support them in providing nutritious food to their vulnerable clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharonna Mossenson
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent St, Perth 6102, Australia
| | - Roslyn Giglia
- Foodbank of Western Australia, Perth Airport, Perth 6105, Australia
| | - Claire E. Pulker
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent St, Perth 6102, Australia
- East Metropolitan Health Service, Murray Street, Perth 6004, Australia
| | - Satvinder S. Dhaliwal
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent St, Perth 6102, Australia
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Office of the Provost, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore 599494, Singapore
| | - Miranda Chester
- Foodbank of Western Australia, Perth Airport, Perth 6105, Australia
| | - Ruby Bigwood
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent St, Perth 6102, Australia
| | - Christina M. Pollard
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent St, Perth 6102, Australia
- Enable Institute, Curtin University, Kent St, Perth 6102, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Curtin University, Kent St, Perth 6102, Australia
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Pérez EJ, Carabali M, Mercille G, Sylvestre MP, Roncarolo F, Potvin L. Characterizing Trends in the Use of Food Donations and Other Food-Related Community-Based Social Assistance Programs in a Cohort of New Food Bank Users in Quebec, Canada. Int J Public Health 2024; 69:1605833. [PMID: 38404502 PMCID: PMC10884234 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2024.1605833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: To characterize 12-month trends in the use of food donations and other food-related community-based social assistance programs (CB-SAPs) during the first year following the enrollment of new food bank (FB) users in Quebec, Canada. Methods: A cohort of 1,001 newly registered FB-users in Quebec from the Pathways Study were followed-up during 12-month following baseline assessment. Outcomes were monthly use of food donations and other food-related CB-SAPs. Main predictors were alternative food source utilization (AFSU) profiles: 1) exclusive-FB-users; 2) FB+fruit/vegetable-market-users; and 3) Multiple/diverse-AFS-users. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and major life events. We fit Bayesian hierarchical mixed-effect models, accounting for spatial clustering, temporal correlation, and censoring. Results: We observed an overall downward trend of food donation use among study completers (n = 745). Each AFSU profile had a distinctive monthly trend of food donation use, but probabilities of use across the three profiles overlapped, between 44% and 55%. The use of other food-related CB-SAPs was low and not correlated with AFSU profiles. Conclusion: De novo FB-users use food donations in different ways over time according to specific contextual AFSU profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsury Johanna Pérez
- School of Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal & CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Chaire de Recherche du Canada sur les Approches Communautaires et Inégalités de Santé (CACIS), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mabel Carabali
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal & CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Geneviève Mercille
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal & CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Chaire de Recherche du Canada sur les Approches Communautaires et Inégalités de Santé (CACIS), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Pierre Sylvestre
- School of Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal & CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Federico Roncarolo
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal & CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Chaire de Recherche du Canada sur les Approches Communautaires et Inégalités de Santé (CACIS), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Louise Potvin
- School of Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal & CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Chaire de Recherche du Canada sur les Approches Communautaires et Inégalités de Santé (CACIS), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Abstract
Vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen Steigerungen der Kosten des alltäglichen Lebens, insbesondere auch im Bereich der Ernährung, beschäftigt sich der Beitrag mit Fragen von Armut und Essen im Kontext der Sozialen Arbeit. Dabei wird der Versuch einer Einordnung und Diskussion von Hilfsangeboten im Feld der Sozialen Arbeit vorgenommen, die als Ernährungshilfen verstanden werden können. Der Beitrag zielt auf eine Einordnung des Feldes sowie kritische Diskussion der Armutshilfen und ringt dabei um eine professionspolitische Positionierung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Schoneville
- Fakultät für Erziehungswissenschaft, Universität Hamburg, Von-Melle-Park 8, 20146 Hamburg, Deutschland
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4
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Strazza K, Jordan J, Ferriola-Bruckenstein K, Kane H, Whitehill J, Teachout E, Yarnoff B. Approaches for Implementing Healthy Food Interventions in Settings With Limited Resources: A Case Study of Sodium Reduction Interventions in Emergency Food Programs Addressing Food Insecurity. Am J Health Promot 2022; 36:487-496. [PMID: 34860600 PMCID: PMC9297099 DOI: 10.1177/08901171211056121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study describes how recipients of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded Sodium Reduction in Communities Program (SRCP) worked with emergency food programs to improve access to healthy food to address chronic conditions. DESIGN SRCP recipients partnered with emergency food programs to implement sodium reduction strategies including nutrition standards, procurement practices, environmental strategies, and behavioral economics approaches. SETTING SRCP recipients and emergency food programs in Washington County and Benton County, Arkansas and King County, Washington. SUBJECTS SRCP recipient staff, emergency food program staff, and key stakeholders. MEASURES We conducted semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and systematic review of program documents. ANALYSIS Data were analyzed using effects matrices for each recipient. Matrices were organized using select implementation science constructs and compared in a cross-case analysis. RESULTS Despite limited resources, emergency food programs can implement sodium reduction interventions which may provide greater access to healthy foods and lead to reductions in health disparities. Emergency food programs successfully implemented sodium reduction interventions by building on the external and internal settings; selecting strategies that align with existing processes; implementing change incrementally and engaging staff, volunteers, and clients; and sustaining changes. CONCLUSION Findings contribute to understanding the ways in which emergency food programs and other organizations with limited resources have implemented public health nutrition interventions addressing food insecurity and improving access to healthy foods. These strategies may be transferable to other settings with limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Strazza
- Community Health Research Division, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Julia Jordan
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Heather Kane
- Community Health Research Division, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - John Whitehill
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily Teachout
- Applied Research and Evaluation Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ben Yarnoff
- Community Health Research Dvision, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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5
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Berg J, Gibson A. Why the World Should Not Follow the Failed United States Model of Fighting Domestic Hunger. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:814. [PMID: 35055636 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many industrialized nations have followed the lead of the United States (US) in reducing workers’ wages and cutting government safety nets, while giving their populaces the false impression that non-governmental organizations can meet the food and basic survival needs of their low-income residents. The history of the last 50 years and the global COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate why that is a mistake, leading to vastly increased household food insecurity, poverty, and hunger. This paper takes a close look at US data to help to better understand the significant impact US federal government policy measures had on limiting hunger throughout the pandemic and how we can learn from these outcomes to finally end hunger in America and other developed nations. The top three policy prescriptions vital in ending household food insecurity in the US and industrialized countries are as follows: (1) to create jobs; raise wages; make high quality healthcare and prescription medicine free; and ensure that high quality childcare, education, transportation, and broad-band access are affordable to all; (2) to enact a comprehensive “Assets Empowerment Agenda” to help low-income people move from owing to owning in order to develop middle-class wealth; and (3) when the above two steps are inadequate, ensure a robust government safety net for struggling residents that provides cash, food, and housing assistance.
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Tenuta N, Barros T, Teixeira RA, Paes-Sousa R. Brazilian Food Banks: Overview and Perspectives. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:12598. [PMID: 34886323 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades food banks have become a worldwide response to the contradicting the coexistence of food losses and waste, on the one hand, and hunger and food insecurity on the other. In Brazil, food banks had a rapid expansion, becoming the object of public policy on Food and Nutrition Security and of non-profit private institutions. Our study presents an unprecedented overview of all the food banks currently active in the Brazilian territory, discussing their performances and perspectives. We conducted descriptive research, aiming to characterize the number, spatial distribution, performance, and modalities of operation of the Brazilian food banks. We mapped 217 active food banks and they all participated in the study. The results revealed the important capillarity of the food banks, which exist in all 27 Brazilian federative units, but also demonstrate the potential and need for expansion. Most of the Brazilian food banks has commercial establishments as their largest donor partners and have fruits and vegetables as their most donated items. They mostly complement the feeding of families at social risk and children served by social institutions. Food and nutrition education actions are offered by all the studied units to donor partners and beneficiary institutions and families.
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Power M, Pybus KJ, Pickett KE, Doherty B. "The reality is that on Universal Credit I cannot provide the recommended amount of fresh fruit and vegetables per day for my children": Moving from a behavioural to a systemic understanding of food practices [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]. Emerald Open Res 2021; 3:3. [PMID: 36034185 PMCID: PMC7613434 DOI: 10.35241/emeraldopenres.14062.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that people living in poverty often experience inadequate nutrition with short and long-term health consequences. Whilst the diets of low-income households have been subject to scrutiny, there is limited evidence in the UK on the diet quality and food practices of households reporting food insecurity and food bank use. We explore lived experiences of food insecurity and underlying drivers of diet quality among low-income families, drawing upon two years of participatory research with families of primary school age children. METHODS We report on a mixed-methods study of the relationship between low income, food bank use, food practices and consumption from a survey of 612 participants, including 136 free text responses and four focus groups with 22 participants. The research followed a parallel mixed-methods design: qualitative and quantitative data were collected separately, although both were informed by participatory work. Quantitative data were analysed using binary and multinomial logistic regression modelling; qualitative data were analysed thematically. RESULTS Lower income households and those living with food insecurity struggle to afford a level of fruit and vegetable consumption that approaches public health guidance for maintaining a healthy diet, despite high awareness of the constituents of a healthy diet. Participants used multiple strategies to ensure as much fruit, vegetable and protein consumption as possible within financial constraints. The quantitative data suggested a relationship between higher processed food consumption and having used a food bank, independent of income and food security status. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that individualised, behavioural accounts of food practices on a low-income misrepresent the reality for people living with poverty. Behavioural or educational interventions are therefore likely to be less effective in tackling food insecurity and poor nutrition among people on a low income; policies focusing on structural drivers, including poverty and geographical access to food, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddy Power
- Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | | | | | - Bob Doherty
- The York Management School, University of York, York, UK
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8
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Power M, Doherty B, Pybus K, Pickett K. How COVID-19 has exposed inequalities in the UK food system: The case
of UK food and poverty. Emerald Open Res 2020; 2:11. [PMCID: PMC7219559 DOI: 10.35241/emeraldopenres.13539.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This article draws upon our perspective as academic-practitioners working in the
fields of food insecurity, food systems, and inequality to comment, in the early
stages of the pandemic and associated lockdown, on the empirical and ethical
implications of COVID-19 for socio-economic inequalities in access to food in
the UK. The COVID-19 pandemic has sharpened the profound insecurity of large
segments of the UK population, an insecurity itself the product of a decade of
‘austerity’ policies. Increased unemployment, reduced hours, and
enforced self-isolation for multiple vulnerable groups is likely to lead to an
increase in UK food insecurity, exacerbating diet-related health inequalities.
The social and economic crisis associated with the pandemic has exposed the
fragility of the system of food charity which, at present, is a key response to
growing poverty. A vulnerable food system, with just-in-time supply chains, has
been challenged by stockpiling. Resultant food supply issues at food banks,
alongside rapidly increasing demand and reduced volunteer numbers, has
undermined many food charities, especially independent food banks. In the light
of this analysis, we make a series of recommendations. We call for an immediate
end to the five week wait for Universal Credit and cash grants for low income
households. We ask central and local government to recognise that many food aid
providers are already at capacity and unable to adopt additional
responsibilities. The government’s - significant - response to the
economic crisis associated with COVID-19 has underscored a key principle: it is
the government’s responsibility to protect population health, to
guarantee household incomes, and to safeguard the economy. Millions of
households were in poverty before the pandemic, and millions more will be so
unless the government continues to protect household incomes through policy
change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Power
- Health Sciences, University of York, York, Yorkshire, YO10 5GD,
UK
| | - Bob Doherty
- The York Management School, University of York, York, Yorkshire,
YO10 5GD, UK
| | - Katie Pybus
- Health Sciences, University of York, York, Yorkshire, YO10 5GD,
UK
| | - Kate Pickett
- Health Sciences, University of York, York, Yorkshire, YO10 5GD,
UK
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9
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Pollard CM, Booth S. Addressing Food and Nutrition Security in Developed Countries. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E2370. [PMID: 31277354 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The guest editors of the special issue on Addressing Food and Nutrition Security in Developed Countries reflect on the 26 papers that were published as part of this issue and the scope of research contained therein. There is an extensive body of work, which focuses on topics ranging from the prevalence of food insecurity in developed countries, associations and determinants, measurement and monitoring, to reports of the lived experience and coping strategies of people who are living with food insecurity or and those who are a part of the charitable food sector. Very few solutions to address the problem of food insecurity in developed countries were offered, and many challenges highlighted. Further research is required to find the solutions to address the problem of food insecurity in developed countries, and important principles and values are proposed for those undertaking this work to embrace.
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Pollard CM, Booth S. Food Insecurity and Hunger in Rich Countries-It Is Time for Action against Inequality. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16101804. [PMID: 31117216 PMCID: PMC6572174 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16101804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Household food insecurity is a serious public health concern in rich countries with developed economies closely associated with inequality. The prevalence of household food insecurity is relatively high in some developed countries, ranging from 8 to 20% of the population. Human rights approaches have the potential to address the structural causes, not just the symptoms of food insecurity. Despite most developed countries ratifying the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights over 40 years ago, food insecurity rates suggest current social protections are inadequate. The contemporary framing of the solution to food insecurity in developed countries is that of diverting food waste to the hungry to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals agenda (Goals 2 and 12.3). An estimated 60 million people or 7.2% of the population in high income countries used food banks in 2013. Although providing food assistance to those who are hungry is an important strategy, the current focus distracts attention away from the ineffectiveness of government policies in addressing the social determinants of food insecurity. Much of the action needed to improve household food security falls to actors outside the health sector. There is evidence of promising actions to address the social determinants of food insecurity in some developed countries. Learning from these, there is a strong case for government leadership, for action within and across government, and effective engagement with other sectors to deliver a coordinated, collaborative, and cooperative response to finding pathways out of food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Pollard
- Faculty of Health Science, School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia.
| | - Sue Booth
- College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5000, Australia.
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11
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Wilson NLW, Just DR, Swigert J, Wansink B. Food pantry selection solutions: a randomized controlled trial in client-choice food pantries to nudge clients to targeted foods. J Public Health (Oxf) 2018; 39:366-372. [PMID: 27173671 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdw043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Food pantries and food banks are interested in cost-effective methods to encourage the selection of targeted foods without restricting choices. Thus, this study evaluates the effectiveness of nudges toward targeted foods. Methods In October/November 2014, we manipulated the display of a targeted product in a New York State food pantry. We evaluated the binary choice of the targeted good when we placed it in the front or the back of the category line (placement order) and when we presented the product in its original box or unboxed (packaging). Results The average uptake proportion for the back treatment was 0.231, 95% CI = 0.179, 0.29, n = 205, and for the front treatment, the proportion was 0.337, 95% CI = 0.272, 0.406, n = 238 with an odds ratio of 1.688, 95% CI = 1.088, 2.523. The average uptake for the unboxed treatment was 0.224, 95% CI = 0.174, 0.280, n = 255, and for the boxed intervention, the proportion was 0.356, 95% CI = 0.288, 0.429, n = 188 with an odds ratio of 1.923, 95% CI = 1.237, 2.991. Conclusions Nudges increased uptake of the targeted food. The findings also hold when we control for a potential confounder. Low cost and unobtrusive nudges can be effective tools for food pantry organizers to encourage the selection of targeted foods. Trial Registration Number NCT02403882.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert L W Wilson
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - David R Just
- Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jeffery Swigert
- Policy Analysis and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Brian Wansink
- Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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12
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Higashi RT, Craddock Lee SJ, Leonard T, Cuate EL, Cole J, Pruitt SL. Multiple Comorbidities and Interest in Research Participation Among Clients of a Nonprofit Food Distribution Site. Clin Transl Sci 2015; 8:584-90. [PMID: 26277918 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons accessing food from nonprofit distribution sites face numerous challenges and typically have significant unmet health needs. However, given limited and intermittent healthcare system engagement, this vulnerable population is underrepresented in clinical research. We sought to better understand the health needs of a nonclinical population to inform future research and interventions. METHODS Focus groups were conducted in English (n = 4) and Spanish (n = 4) with clients of Crossroads Community Services (CCS), the largest distributor of North Texas Food Bank. Discussions probed participants' health status, healthcare utilization, understanding and utilization of mammography, and attitudes toward participation in research. RESULTS Participants included 42 CCS clients, primarily Hispanic or African American women. Participants reported multiple comorbid conditions among household members, yet utilization of health services was often limited by cost. The majority expressed interest in participating in research to communicate their health concerns and obtain emotional support. CONCLUSION CCS clients represent a high-need, under-reached population willing to engage in health-related research that affords them opportunity to connect with peers in group settings and obtain information to improve management of daily life challenges. The Community Assistance Research (CARe) Initiative, a community-academic collaboration, establishes a much-needed opportunity for ongoing clinical research and intervention among this underserved population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin T Higashi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Simon J Craddock Lee
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Tammy Leonard
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Economics Department, University of Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Erica L Cuate
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jay Cole
- Crossroads Community Services, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sandi L Pruitt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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13
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Roncarolo F, Adam C, Bisset S, Potvin L. Food capacities and satisfaction in participants in food security community interventions in Montreal, Canada. Health Promot Int 2015; 31:879-887. [PMID: 26271123 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dav085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity is steadily increasing in Canada. The objective of this paper is to determine if food capacities and satisfaction of recently enrolled participants in food security interventions are associated with the intervention having either a traditional or an alternative type of approach. Participants having recently accessed traditional (n = 711) or alternative community interventions (n = 113) in the Montreal metropolitan area, Canada, were interviewed with a questionnaire. The categorizing variable was participation in a community organization providing either traditional interventions, aimed to help people cope with the urgent need of food, or alternative interventions, aimed at first assistance, in addition to the creation of long-term solutions such as social integration and skills development. Participants' food and nutrition-related capacities and food satisfaction are studied. Multilevel regression models were used to assess whether participants took part in a traditional or alternative interventions. These interventions do not reach the same population. Relative to participants in alternative food security interventions, participants in traditional interventions demonstrated less capacity for accessing information about food safety and healthiness, and perceived their diet as less healthy. Traditional food security participants also paid less attention to the nutritional properties of food and reported less satisfaction with quantity, variety and taste of the food they accessed. The reasons why individuals who may benefit the most from alternative interventions were unlikely to participate should be investigated. The potential that food security interventions may inadvertently reinforce social inequalities in health should be considered in future intervention research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Roncarolo
- IRSPUM, Institut de Recherche en Santé Publique de l'Universitè de Montréal, Pavillon 7101 Avenue du Parc, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, Canada H3C 3J7 .,PHIRNET, Population Health Intervention Research Network, Canada.,Chaire Approches Communautaires et Inégalités de Santé, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Adam
- Chaire Approches Communautaires et Inégalités de Santé, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sherri Bisset
- Agence de la Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Montérégie, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Louise Potvin
- IRSPUM, Institut de Recherche en Santé Publique de l'Universitè de Montréal, Pavillon 7101 Avenue du Parc, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, Canada H3C 3J7.,PHIRNET, Population Health Intervention Research Network, Canada.,Chaire Approches Communautaires et Inégalités de Santé, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Douglas F, Sapko J, Kiezebrink K, Kyle J. Resourcefulness, Desperation, Shame, Gratitude and Powerlessness: Common Themes Emerging from A Study of Food Bank Use in Northeast Scotland. AIMS Public Health 2015; 2:297-317. [PMID: 29546112 PMCID: PMC5690237 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2015.3.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing policy maker and public concern about current trends in food bank use in Scotland. Yet little is known about the experiences of those seeking help from food banks in this country. This research aimed to address this issue by studying the use and operation of a food bank situated in a rich northeast city during January and June 2014. The study aimed to establish who was seeking help from the food bank, their reasons for doing so, and what those who did thought of, and dealt with the food they received from it. Consequently, an audit of the food bank's client database, four months of participant observation based in the food bank, and seven face-to-face interviews with current and former food bank clients were conducted. The audit revealed that clients came from a range of socio-economic backgrounds, with men more likely to access it compared to women. Debt and social security benefit delays were cited as the main reasons for doing so. Qualitative data confirmed that sudden and unanticipated loss of income was a key driver of use. Resourcefulness in making donated food last as long as possible, keeping fuel costs low, and concern to minimise food waste were commonly described by participants. Desperation, gratitude, shame and powerlessness were also prevalent themes. Furthermore, clients were reluctant to ask for food they normally ate, as they were acutely aware that the food bank had little control over what it was able offer. Insights from this study suggest that recent UK policy proposals to address food poverty may have limited impact, without concomitant effort to address material disadvantage. Research is urgently required to determine the precise nature and extent of household level food insecurity in Scotland, and to consider monitoring for adverse physical and mental health outcomes for those affected by it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Douglas
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland
| | - Jennifer Sapko
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Kirsty Kiezebrink
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Janet Kyle
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Scotland
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