scholarly journals Food insecurity among Finnish private sector service workers and food pantry clients

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Erkkola ◽  
L Uusitalo ◽  
K Puputti ◽  
T Saari ◽  
P Jallinoja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Service Workers ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
Sector Service

Abstract Background There is a paucity of comparable quantitative data on the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity in high-income countries. We applied the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) to assess food insecurity among i) the Service Union United members; female-dominated, low-income employees of the Finnish private service sector, and ii) a convenience sample of Finnish food pantry clients. Methods The HFIAS classification was based on 9 validated questions capturing respondents' perceptions on food scarcity and behavioural responses to food insecurity due to lack of resources during the past month. The resulting indicator categorized respondents as food secure, and mildly, moderately and severely food insecure. We performed cross-tabulations and regression models to assess if education, housing, self-perceived health, income, and resource scarcity associated with levels of food insecurity. In addition, gender, age, and self-perceived disadvantage were assessed among the food pantry clients. Results Among the service workers (n = 6 573, 6% of those invited), 35% were food secure, 29% mildly or moderately food insecure, and 36% severely food insecure. The respective proportions were 28%, 26%, and 46% among the 129 food pantry clients. All assessed variables were associated to food insecurity status in the service workers (p < 0.01 for all). Among the food pantry clients, men (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.09 − 4.80) and homeless/tenants in community rental units (OR 7.12; 95% CI 2.42 − 20.95) were most likely to experience severe food insecurity. Conclusions Alongside the food pantry clients the majority of the service workers demonstrated some degree of food insecurity, with a considerable proportion being severely food-insecure. This predominantly low-income group is subject to rapid changes in the labour market and social security systems. The data demonstrated that well-known SES indicators and self-perceived health are linked to food insecurity. Key messages Severe food insecurity was common among predominantly low-income private sector service workers and food pantry clients. Food insecurity is linked to SES indicators and wellbeing.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Status of a Low-Income Elderly Community in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 172-172
Author(s):  
Wilna Oldewage-Theron ◽  
Christa Grobler
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Joint Pain ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Dairy Consumption

Abstract Objectives Previous studies in the same elderly community found poverty, food insecurity and a double burden of malnutrition (iron, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies and chronic non-communicable diseases), however, a paucity of data exists about vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency for South African elderly. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency among the elderly and its relationship to food insecurity, dietary diversity and common symptoms associated with vitamin D deficiency (VDD). Methods This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study in a convenience sample of 79 independently living elderly voluntarily attending an elderly care center in Sharpeville, South Africa. Measurements included socio-demographic (age, gender) and health (symptoms of VDD), physical activity-, dietary diversity- and food insecurity (validated household food insecurity access score) data, as well as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D3) levels ascertained by electrohemiluminescence immunoassay. The respondents were divided into VDD (<25 nmol/L), vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) (≥25 < 50 nmol/L) and vitamin D adequate (VDA) (≥50 nmol/L) groups. IBM SPSS Software, version 26.0 was used for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Results VDD and VDI was observed in 3.8% and 32.9% of elderly respectively. Of the total sample, 11.4% were moderately and 21.5% severely food insecure. The mean(±SD) dietary diversity score was 5.88(±3.95). Only 3.8% of the elderly were not physically active. Significant differences were observed between the VDA, VDI and VDD groups for gender (P = 0.004), age (P = 0.011), back/joint pain (P = 0.035), and the dairy food group diversity score (P = 0.008). No other significant differences were observed. Conclusions Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency is a problem in these elderly community and associated with back/joint pain that may result in impaired functionality/mobility that can exacerbate food access and food insecurity. This study further supports the importance of dairy consumption to prevent VDI and VDD. Funding Sources National Research Foundation (South Africa).

scholarly journals Diet Quality, Nutritional Adequacy, and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Mobile Food Pantry Users in Northeastern Connecticut

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1099
Author(s):  
Dalia Marmash ◽  
Kyungho Ha ◽  
Junichi R. Sakaki ◽  
Isabella Gorski ◽  
Brazil Rule ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
The United States ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Added Sugar ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
Dietary Record

Poor diet quality among low-income populations is a major contributing factor to their poor health and wellbeing, and thus is a focus of many government aid programs. Mobile food pantries are an increasingly popular method of emergency food assistance, targeting the communities most affected by food insecurity; however, little is known about the dietary characteristics of mobile food pantry users. This study aims to characterize the diet quality and nutrient adequacy level and examine its association with sociodemographic characteristics among mobile food pantry users in Windham County, Connecticut. Surveys to assess food insecurity, diet composition, and sociodemographic characteristics were administered to 83 adult food pantry users. Participants (n = 40) completed a three-day dietary record for analysis of diet quality, and were found to have inadequate intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy, as well as some related micronutrients. At least 30% of participants had intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for vitamins A, C, E, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and folate. Intakes of added sugar, sugar sweetened beverages, and saturated fat were also above recommendations according to the United States Dietary Guidelines. Certain sociodemographic factors affected diet quality among this sample. For example, being male was associated with increased sugar-sweetened beverage and added sugar intake. This characterization of mobile pantry users will serve as a reference for developing nutrition education and determining the effectiveness of future interventions.

scholarly journals Food insecurity and diabetes self-management among food pantry clients

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew M Ippolito ◽  
Courtney R Lyles ◽  
Kimberly Prendergast ◽  
Michelle Berger Marshall ◽  
Elaine Waxman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Diabetes Distress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
Trade Offs

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between level of food security and diabetes self-management among food pantry clients, which is largely not possible using clinic-based sampling methods.DesignCross-sectional descriptive study.SettingCommunity-based food pantries in California, Ohio and Texas, USA, from March 2012 through March 2014.SubjectsConvenience sample of adults with diabetes queuing at pantries (n1237; 83 % response). Sampled adults were stratified as food secure, low food secure or very low food secure. We used point-of-care glycated Hb (HbA1c) testing to determine glycaemic control and captured diabetes self-management using validated survey items.ResultsThe sample was 70 % female, 55 % Latino/Hispanic, 25 % white and 10 % black/African American, with a mean age of 56 years. Eighty-four per cent were food insecure, one-half of whom had very low food security. Mean HbA1cwas 8·1 % and did not vary significantly by food security status. In adjusted models, very-low-food-secure participants, compared with both low-food-secure and food-secure participants, had poorer diabetes self-efficacy, greater diabetes distress, greater medication non-adherence, higher prevalence of severe hypoglycaemic episodes, higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, more medication affordability challenges, and more food and medicine or health supply trade-offs.ConclusionsFew studies of the health impact of food security have been able to examine very low food security. In a food pantry sample with high rates of food insecurity, we found that diabetes self-management becomes increasingly difficult as food security worsens. The efficacy of interventions to improve diabetes self-management may increase if food security is simultaneously addressed.

scholarly journals The HOME Study: Understanding How College Students at a Hispanic Serving Institution Coped with Food Insecurity in a Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11087
Author(s):  
Miriam Manboard ◽  
Cassandra M. Johnson ◽  
Hannah Thornton ◽  
Lesli Biediger-Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
College Students ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
Home Study ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Hispanic Serving

College students represent a unique population of adults, who may be more likely to experience food insecurity due to their transient circumstances, limited access to resources, and increased educational expenses. But little is known about how college students and their households mitigate food insecurity, particularly during a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. The Household Observations of Meals and Environments (HOME) Study described how college students in the US utilized multilevel resources, including an on-campus food pantry, to maintain food security during the pandemic. A convenience sample of college students (n = 18) were recruited from an on-campus food pantry and provided quantitative and qualitative data through online surveys and in-depth Zoom interviews. Survey data were analyzed to describe sociodemographic characteristics. In-depth interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify emergent themes. Social support and the use of an on-campus food pantry were primary factors in maintaining a food security safety net. Students faced barriers when trying to access federal and state food assistance programs and identified multilevel resources, their food security, and the role of social support as facilitators in their perceptions of food insecurity status and experiences. Findings highlight practical implications for research related to on-campus food insecurity interventions and policies to support food security among college students.

Leisure Activities and the Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults in Croatia

GeroPsych ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Kaliterna Lipovčan ◽  
Tihana Brkljačić ◽  
Zvjezdana Prizmić Larsen ◽  
Andreja Brajša-Žganec ◽  
Renata Franc
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Financial Status

Abstract. Research shows that engagement in leisure activities promotes well-being among older adults. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between subjective well-being (flourishing) and leisure activities (total number of different activities in the previous year) in a sample of older adults in Croatia, thereby considering the variables of sex, marital status, financial status, and self-perceived health. The differences in the examined variables between the groups of older adults who reported to be engaged in new activities with those who did not were also examined. The sample of N = 169 older adults aged 60 years and above was drawn from a convenience sample of adult internet users in Croatia. Participants reported their self-perceived health and the number of leisure activities they engaged in over the previous year as well as completing the Flourishing Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that older adults who were engaged in more various leisure activities, who perceived better financial status, and who were married reported higher levels of flourishing. A comparison of the two groups of older adults with and without engagement in leisure activities showed that those engaged in at least one leisure activity were more likely to be women, reported higher levels of flourishing, and perceived their own financial status as better. This study indicated that engaging in leisure activities in later life might provide beneficial effects for the well-being of older adults.

Family Chaos and Household Routines are Associated With Food Insecurity in Low-Income Families

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Koester ◽  
Barbara H. Fiese ◽  
Craig Gundersen ◽  
Meghan Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Family Chaos ◽  
Low Income Families

scholarly journals Racial, Gender, and Age Dynamics in Michigan’s Urban and Rural Farmers Markets: Reducing Food Insecurity, and the Impacts of a Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 000276422110133
Author(s):  
Dorceta E. Taylor ◽  
Alliyah Lusuegro ◽  
Victoria Loong ◽  
Alexis Cambridge ◽  
Claire Nichols ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food Assistance ◽  
People Of Color ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Nutrition Assistance Programs ◽  
Number Of Customers

In recent decades, the number of farmer’s markets has increased dramatically across the country. Though farmers markets have been described as White spaces, they can play important roles in reducing food insecurity. This is particularly true in Michigan where farmer’s markets were crucial collaborators in pioneering programs such as Double-Up Food Bucks that help low-income residents and people of color gain access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food. This article examines the questions: (1) What are the demographic characteristics of the farmers market managers, vendors, and customers and how do these influence market activities? (2) To what extent do farmers markets participate in programs aimed at reducing food insecurity? (3) To what extent do farmers markets serve low-income residents and people of color? and (4) How has the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) affected the operations of farmers markets. This article discusses the findings of a 2020 study that examined the extent to which Michigan’s farmer’s markets served low-income customers and people of color and participated in food assistance programs. The study examined 79 farmers markets and found that 87.3% of the farmer’s market managers are White. On average, roughly 79% of the vendors of the markets are White and almost 18% are people of color. Most of the vendors in the markets participate in nutrition assistance programs. Market managers estimate that about 76% of their customers are White and about 23% are people of color. Farmers markets operated by people of color attract higher numbers of customers and vendors of color than those operated White market managers. Almost half of the farmer’s markets started operations later than usual in 2020 because of the pandemic. More than a third of the markets reported that their funding declined during the pandemic. Moreover, the number of vendors declined at two thirds of the markets and the number of customers dipped at more than 40% of the markets. On the other hand, the number of people requesting food assistance during the pandemic increased in more than half of the markets.

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