scholarly journals Linear programming can help identify practical solutions to improve the nutritional quality of food aid

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zo J Rambeloson ◽  
Nicole Darmon ◽  
Elaine L Ferguson
Keyword(s):  
Linear Programming ◽  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
National Level ◽  
Food Aid ◽  
Food Banks ◽  
Food Bank ◽  
Quality Of Food

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the nutritional quality of food aid delivered by food banks in France and to identify practical modifications to improve it.DesignNational-level data were collected for all food aid distributed by French food banks in 2004, and its nutrient content per 2000 kcal was estimated and compared with French recommendations for adults. Starting with the actual donation and allowing new foods into the food aid donation, linear programming was used to identify the minimum changes required in the actual donation to achieve the French recommendations.ResultsFrench food-bank-delivered food aid does not achieve the French recommendations for dietary fibre, ascorbic acid, vitamin D, folate, magnesium, docosahexaenoic acid, α-linolenic acid and the percentage of energy from saturated fatty acids. Linear programming analysis showed that these recommendations are achievable if more fruits, vegetables, legumes and fish were collected and less cheese, refined cereals and foods rich in fat, sugar and/or salt. In addition, new foods not previously collected are needed, particularly nuts, wholemeal bread and rapeseed oil. These changes increased the total edible weight (42%) and economic value (55%) of the food aid donation, with one-third of its edible weight coming from fruits and vegetables, one-third from staples, one-quarter from dairy products and approximately a tenth from meat/fish/eggs.ConclusionsImportant changes in the types and amounts of food collected will improve the nutritional quality of food-bank-delivered food aid in France. Such changes are recommended to improve the diets of deprived French populations.

scholarly journals Food Bank Donations in the United States: A Landscape Review of Federal Policies

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3764
Author(s):  
Katelin M. Hudak ◽  
Emily Friedman ◽  
Joelle Johnson ◽  
Sara E. Benjamin-Neelon
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Food System ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Food Banks ◽  
Food Bank ◽  
Federal Policies ◽  
Food And Beverage

Rates of food insecurity have increased substantially in the United States (US), and more families are turning to the charitable food system to help meet their needs. Prior studies have examined the nutritional quality of foods offered through food banks, but little is known about what government policies may shape the healthy food donation landscape. The purpose of this study was to review US federal policies that impact food and beverage donations to food banks and assess whether policies encourage healthy food donations. In spring 2020, two researchers independently reviewed federal food and beverage donation policies using predefined search terms in two legal databases. We identified six categories of policies based on the existing food donation literature and themes that emerged in the policy review. We identified 42 federal policies spanning six categories that addressed food and beverage donations to food banks. The largest category was “government programs,” with 19 (45%) policies. The next largest category was “donation via schools,” with 12 (29%) policies. However, no policies specifically addressed the nutritional quality of food donations. There is an opportunity for the federal government to strengthen food bank donation policies and improve the nutritional quality of donated foods and beverages.

scholarly journals Effect of improving dietary quality of food parcels on dietary intake in Dutch food bank recipients - a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Neter ◽  
Coosje Dijkstra ◽  
Jos Twisk ◽  
Marjolein Visser ◽  
Ingeborg Brouwer
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Food Banks ◽  
Food Bank ◽  
Daily Amount ◽  
Quality Of Food ◽  
Staple Foods

AbstractIntroduction:Since food banks have a strong influence on recipients’ diets, and seem to have difficulties in supporting healthy diets, improving the dietary quality of food parcels is important. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether improving the dietary quality of food parcels, using different strategies, can positively impact the actual dietary intake of Dutch food bank recipients.Materials and methods:This randomized cross-over controlled trial with four intervention conditions [1) Control (standard food parcel), 2) Snacks– (standard food parcel with replacement of snacks by staple foods), 3) FV + (standard food parcel plus the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables), 4) Snacks– + FV (standard food parcel with replacement of snacks by staple foods plus the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables)] included food bank recipients from three food banks. In total, 199 recipients were randomly allocated. At baseline, participants filled in a questionnaire and underwent anthropometric measurements. Dietary intake data were collected through 24-hour recalls after both intervention conditions at 4 and 8 weeks follow-up. Primary outcome was fruit and vegetable intake, secondary outcomes were dietary intakes of food groups and nutrients.Results:Multi-level linear regression analysis, using a two-level model showed a higher mean fruit intake in participants in the FV + condition than in participants in the Control condition (δ: 74 [40.3;107.6] g). Both mean fruit and mean vegetable intake were higher in participants in the Snacks– + FV + condition than in participants in the Control condition (fruit δ: 81.3 [56.5;106.2] g; vegetable: δ: 46.2 [17.5;74.9] g), as well as in the Snacks– condition (fruit: δ: 70.0 [38.8;101.1] g; vegetable δ: 62.2 [26.2; 98.2] g).Discussion:This study shows that improving the dietary content of food parcels can positively impact the dietary intake of Dutch food bank recipients. With this we can further develop effective strategies to improve dietary intake of food bank recipients.

scholarly journals Improving the dietary quality of food parcels leads to improved dietary intake in Dutch food bank recipients—effects of a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (8) ◽  
pp. 3491-3501
Author(s):  
Judith E. Neter ◽  
S. Coosje Dijkstra ◽  
Jos W. R. Twisk ◽  
Marjolein Visser ◽  
Ingeborg A. Brouwer
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Food Banks ◽  
Food Bank ◽  
Quality Of Food ◽  
Unhealthy Snacks

Abstract Purpose Since food banks have a strong influence on recipients’ diets, and seem to have difficulties in supporting healthy diets, improving the dietary quality of food parcels is important. The aim of our study was to assess whether improving the dietary quality of food parcels, using different strategies, can positively impact the actual dietary intake of Dutch food bank recipients. Methods This randomized cross-over controlled trial (Trial ID: ISRCTN40554133) with four intervention conditions [(1) Control (standard food parcel), (2) snacks– (standard food parcel with replacement of unhealthy snacks by staple foods), (3) FV+ (standard food parcel plus the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables), (4) snacks– + FV+ (standard food parcel with replacement of unhealthy snacks by staple foods plus the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables)] included 163 food bank recipients, from three food banks. At baseline, participants filled in a questionnaire. Dietary intake data were collected through 24-h recalls after both intervention conditions at 4 and 8 weeks follow-up. Primary outcome was daily fruit and vegetable intake, secondary outcomes were daily dietary intakes of food groups and nutrients. Results Multi-level linear regression analysis, using a two-level model, showed a higher mean daily fruit intake in participants in the FV+ condition than in participants in the Control condition (delta (δ): 74 [40.3;107.6] g). Both mean daily fruit and vegetable intake were higher in participants in the Snacks– + FV+ condition than in participants in the Control condition (fruit δ: 81.3 [56.5;106.2] g; vegetables δ: 46.2 [17.5;74.9] g), as well as in the Snacks– condition (fruit δ: 70.0 [38.8;101.1] g; vegetables δ: 62.2 [26.2; 98.2] g). Conclusions This study shows that improving the dietary quality of food parcels can positively impact the dietary intake of Dutch food bank recipients. With this information we can further develop effective strategies that can be easily applied by food banks, to improve dietary intake of food bank recipients.

scholarly journals Nutritional Quality of Food Supplements for Children from 6 to 59 Months Proposed to the Dietary Service of Regional Hospital of Daloa (Ivory Coast)

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Beugré Grah Avit Maxwell ◽  
Niaba Koffi Pierre Valery ◽  
Combo Agnan Marie-Michel ◽  
Yao N’zué Binjamin ◽  
Gnakri Dago
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
Regional Hospital ◽  
Mineral Contents ◽  
Nutritional Values ◽  
A Value ◽  
Collective Effort ◽  
Quality Of Food

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional quality of the infant flours offered to mothers received in the dietary service of the CHR of Daloa. Introduction: Ivory Coast’s membership in Scaling up Nutrition (SUN) is a momentum in a collective effort to improve the nutrition and nutritional status of the population.  Method : For this purpose, analyses of biochemical compositions, in particular the levels of protein, fat and minerals in the proposed infant flours, were carried out.  Results: The formulations of the flours proposed have high nutritional values. The protein content of compound flours increases proportionally with the amount of soy incorporated. Indeed, for FC2 and FC3 formulations, these contents are 17.12 ± 0.19 g / 100 g (FC3) and 17.50 ± 0.56 g / 100 g (FC2) with a rate of incorporation of 25% soy. In addition, the FC1 flour formulation enriched with peanuts is low in protein with a value of 8.69 ± 0.11 g / 100 g. These flours also had mineral contents in accordance with WHO standards of calcium (> 125 mg / kg), iron (> 4 mg / kg) and zinc (> 0.8 mg / kg). In addition these formulations are highly digestible. Conclusion: However, to use the proposed meal formulations as food for malnutrition, it would necessarily be necessary to supplement them with available local fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamins and minerals.

scholarly journals Nutritional Quality of Undergraduate Student Meals in an All-You-Care-to-Eat Campus Dining Facility (P04-156-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey Olson ◽  
Katie Vieyra ◽  
Alexandra Polasky ◽  
Amy Best ◽  
Lois Durant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Research Award ◽  
George Mason University ◽  
Reported Data

Abstract Objectives To assess the overall nutritional quality of meals chosen by undergraduate students during weekday lunches at campus all-you-care-to-eat dining halls. Methods A previously validated exit survey was used to collect self-reported data from undergraduate students on foods and beverages they consumed during a single visit to two all-you-care-to-eat dining halls on the George Mason University Fairfax campus, during 4 weeks. (n = 468) Nutritional quality of each meal was evaluated on a 7-point rubric, according to the ‘Wellness Meal’ standards from the Partnership for a Healthier America: ≤700 kilocalories, ≤10% calories from saturated fat, ≤800 mg sodium, ≥2 ounces whole grains, ≥1 cup lowfat dairy, ≥ 1.75 cups fruits and vegetables, and ≥ 2 ounces lean protein. Results Of the maximum score of 7 on the meal nutritional quality rubric, 4 participants earned the highest score of 5, whereas 43, 150, 132, 88, and 51 participants had scores of 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0, respectively. The most commonly attained rubric standard was saturated fat, where 60% of participants consumed ≤ 10% calories from saturated fat and average consumption was 9.1% (± 5.4%) of calories. The least achieved rubric category was lowfat dairy, where only 2% of students consumed 1 cup equivalent, followed by only 9% of participants having consumed the 2 ounce equivalent of whole grains. Approximately one-third of students met calorie, lean protein, sodium, and fruit/vegetable standards. Conclusions Despite a wide variety of food options in the campus all-you-care-to-eat dining halls during the lunch hours, most undergraduate students consumed meals of subpar nutritional quality, with the vast majority meeting fewer than half the categories on the meal nutritional quality rubric. All-you-care-to-eat university dining halls may be a prime location for nutrition education and interventions. Funding Sources This research was funded by the George Mason University Provost's Multidisciplinary Research Award.

The effect of fluidized bed combustion residue on the composition and nutritional quality of food crops for hamsters and rats

1985 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. F. Fashandi ◽  
R. L. Reid ◽  
W. L. Stout ◽  
J. L. Hern ◽  
O. L. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Fluidized Bed ◽  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Food Crops ◽  
Fluidized Bed Combustion ◽  
Quality Of Food ◽  
Combustion Residue
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