A CONVENIENCE FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM IN A 300-BED GENERAL HOSPITAL

Abstract Objectives Explore the relationship between attendance at USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sites and baseline household food security status. Methods Two elementary schools in low-income urban neighborhoods of Columbus, OH were recruited. Families with children at these schools in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth were invited to participate. Caregivers completed a demographic survey at the end of school year 1 (baseline [t0]). Household food security was assessed at t0 using the USDA 6-item Short Form Food Security Module and based on responses participants were categorized as living in high marginal food security (HMFS), low food security (LFS), or very low food security (VLFS) households. Child attendance at USDA SFSP sites was collected via weekly text messages to caregivers using the online TextIt© platform. ANOVA was conducted to determine differences in attendance level by household food security status. Results 113 children representing 78 families enrolled. Mean age was 7.10 ± 0.21 yr, 79.65% were African American, 72.73% were low-income, and mean annual income was $28,222. Approximately 27% of families (n = 21) reported living in LFS (n = 10, 14.82%) or VLFS (n = 11, 12.10%) households. Overall mean attendance at summer programming was 10.40 ± 1.43 days (out of 50 possible days) and attendance by household food security status was 10.51 ± 1.61 (HMFS), 19.00 ± 6.15 (LFS), and 5.70 ± 2.85 (VLFS) days with a significant difference (P = 0.04) between LFS and VLFS households. Conclusions Children in VLFS (vs HMFS and LFS) households, who are at increased risk for hunger during the summertime window of risk, are attending sites offering the USDA SFSP least frequently. Future research and programmatic efforts should be targeted at children from the most vulnerable households to ensure food security during the summertime window of risk. Funding Sources USDA NC-NECE.

Download Full-text

National Summer Food Service Program

Encyclopedia of School Health ◽

10.4135/9781452276250.n165 ◽

2013 ◽

Keyword(s):

Food Service ◽

Service Program

Download Full-text

A Nutrition and Physical Activity Assessment of USDA Summer Food Service Program Sites in Low-Income Urban Zip Codes: Findings from the Project SWEAT Study (P04-144-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz051.p04-144-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Leah May ◽

Laura Hopkins ◽

Allison Labyk ◽

Carolyn Gunther

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Nutrition Education ◽

Environmental Assessment ◽

Low Income ◽

Food Service ◽

Service Program ◽

Nutrition Environment ◽

Vending Machines ◽

Nutrition And Physical Activity

Abstract Objectives To examine the nutrition and physical activity (PA) environment of urban USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sites. Methods The current study was part of a larger observational trial – Project SWEAT (Summer Weight and Environmental Assessment Trial) – investigating the determinants of unhealthy summer weight gain in children residing in low-income urban zip codes. All SFSP sites located in Project SWEAT neighborhoods were recruited. The nutrition and PA environment was assessed via the field-tested 83-item Site Environmental Assessment Form. Nutrition environment characteristics included, but were not limited to, presence of water fountain(s) [yes/no] and vending machines [healthy, unhealthy, or mixed options). PA environment characteristics included, but were not limited to, presence of indoor gym, indoor/outdoor basketball court, nearby parks, outdoor playground equipment, and sports equipment [yes/no]. PA behaviors from the perspective of the site directors was also assessed (6-point Likert Scale; 0 = Never, 5 = Daily). Summary statistics were calculated. Results Twenty-eight SFSP sites were identified and 20 completed (71% response rate). Nutrition environment characteristics: 90% (n = 18) of sites had water fountains and 40% (n = 8) had either snack or beverage vending machines or both. 100% of sites that had snack vending (n = 5 of 8) and 80% of sites that had beverage vending (n = 7 of 8) had mixed options. PA environment: 90% (n = 18) had at least one PA environmental characteristic; 39% (n = 7), 67% (n = 12), and 94% (n = 17) had swimming pool, playground equipment, and a basketball hoop, respectively. 70% (n14) of site directors encouraged children to go outside (70%, n = 14) and praised PA (80%, n = 16) 5–6 times per week. Child daily participation in moderate PA was reported by 85% (n = 17) of site directors. Conclusions Results demonstrate that urban SFSP sites have healthy snacks and beverages and PA areas available to participants; thus, the SFSP has potential to play a role in protecting at-risk children from unhealthy weight gain during the summer. Funding Sources USDA North Central Nutrition Education Center for Excellence.

Download Full-text