scholarly journals Outcomes of disease prevention and management interventions in food pantries and food banks: a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e029236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher R Long ◽  
Brett Rowland ◽  
Susan C Steelman ◽  
Pearl A McElfish
Keyword(s):  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Food Aid ◽  
Food Banks ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Food Pantries

ObjectiveFood insecurity affects millions of Americans and is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. Food insecure individuals often obtain food from food pantries/banks, prompting health researchers to implement disease prevention/management interventions at these sites. This review examined the existing peer-reviewed research on disease prevention/management interventions implemented in food pantries/banks.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesDatabases searched included MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane. Search strategies included Medical Subject Headings and key terms, including food pantry, food bank, food shelf, food aid and related concepts.Eligibility criteriaStudies were included if they described an intervention involving food pantries/banks where at least one biometric indicator was included as an outcome variable. Articles focused solely on the quality of foods distributed, the diet quality of food pantry/bank clients or government food aid programmes were excluded.Data extraction and synthesisExtracted data included publication details, intervention type, study design, participant characteristics, study outcomes, and barriers and facilitators of intervention implementation.ResultsA total of 3317 articles were assessed for eligibility. Six studies met the predefined inclusion criteria. The studies employed a range of intervention approaches to manage or prevent a number of chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and HIV. The studies examined a range of biometric outcomes, including body mass index, glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure. Information about the food pantries/banks where the interventions were conducted was lacking. The studies documented multiple barriers and facilitators related to costs, sustainability and organisational capacity.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first review to examine disease prevention and management interventions conducted in food pantries and food banks. Given the high number of households who obtain food from food pantries/banks and the chronic health conditions associated with food insecurity, this review highlights the need for more high-quality research in this setting.

scholarly journals Outcomes of disease prevention and management interventions in food pantries and food banks: protocol for a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e018022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher R Long ◽  
Brett Rowland ◽  
Susan C Steelman ◽  
Pearl A McElfish
Keyword(s):  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Food Banks ◽  
Food Bank ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
Or Management ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Food Pantries

IntroductionFood insecurity is a difficulty faced in many households. During periods of food insecurity, households often seek food supplied by food pantries and food banks. Food insecurity has been associated with increased risk for several health conditions. For this reason, food pantries and food banks may have great promise as intervention sites, and health researchers have begun targeting food pantries and food banks as sites for disease prevention or management interventions. The aim of the scoping review is to examine disease prevention or management interventions implemented in food pantries and food banks.Methods and analysisRelevant electronic databases (eg, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature-CINAHL Complete, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) will be searched for articles with a publication date of 1997 or later using Medical Subject Headings and key terms, including food aid, food banks, food pantries, food shelves, hunger, food insecurity and related concepts. For each de-duplicated study record identified by the search strategy, two reviewers will independently assess whether the study meets eligibility criteria (eg, related to intervention type, context). The reviewers will examine studies’ titles, abstracts and full text, comparing eligibility decisions to address any discrepancies. For each eligible study, data extraction will be executed by two reviewers independently, comparing extracted data to address any discrepancies. Extracted data will be synthesised and reported in a narrative review assessing the coverage and gaps in existing literature related to disease prevention and management interventions implemented in food pantries.Ethics and disseminationThe review’s results will be useful to healthcare practitioners who work with food-insecure populations, healthcare researchers and food pantry or food bank personnel. The results of this scoping review will be submitted for publication to a peer-reviewed journal, and the authors will share the findings with food pantry and food bank stakeholder groups with whom they work.

Beyond food insecurity

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (11) ◽  
pp. 2614-2631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chung-Yi Chiu ◽  
Jessica Brooks ◽  
Ruopeng An
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Banks ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to inquiry dietary behavior and the physical and mental health status of food pantry users to better understand issues related to food insecurity and to explore predictors of intentions for self-sufficiency. Design/methodology/approach The authors randomly surveyed 12 food pantries (151 consumers) sponsored by the North Texas Food Bank in USA, regarding dietary behavior, health status, reasons for food pantry use, satisfaction with services provided, and self-sufficient behavior and support. Findings About 37 percent of survey participants would expect to continue using food pantry services for one or more years. Reasons for food pantry use included low job earnings, unemployment, poor health, and disability. Over 83 percent of them were either overweight or obese, and over half (57 percent) of them had moderate or severe mental disorder symptoms that warrant examination by healthcare practitioners. On average, their health-related quality of life was lower than the general population. Participants’ physical health was significantly correlated with work intention. The hierarchical regression model predicting work intention had a large effect size. Research limitations/implications This research has highlighted the importance of improving food pantry consumers’ health and self-sufficiency in order to live sufficiently and healthily. Practical implications Community health practitioners need to help food banks address the needs beyond hunger to focus on the larger ramification of food insecurity such as self-sufficiency and health-related quality of life. Originality/value This work extends the existing studies focused on food insecurity, and it will enable the collaborations among food banks, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and public health practitioners.

scholarly journals Pilot testing an intervention to educate and promote nutritious choices at food pantries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L. McKee ◽  
Eminet Abebe Gurganus ◽  
Abiodun T. Atoloye ◽  
Ran Xu ◽  
Katie Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Food System ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Comparison Study ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
Food Pantries ◽  
Client Choice ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Aim This study aimed to assess the impact of the Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) system on client food selections at a food pantry. Subject and methods In a pre–post comparison study design, a client-choice food pantry implemented SWAP by reorganizing its inventory to promote healthy options. Each product was ranked as “choose often” (green), “sometimes” (yellow), or “rarely” (red) based on saturated fat, sodium, and sugar. Signage was added to indicate each item’s SWAP rank and healthier foods were placed at eye level. Client food baskets were assessed at time 1 (n = 121) and time 2 (n = 101). The proportions of green and red foods selected were compared using regression analyses. Results The regression analyses showed that the proportion of green foods selected by clients increased by 11% (p < 0.001) and the proportion of red foods selected decreased by 7% (p < 0.001) after SWAP was implemented (n = 222). Conclusions SWAP has the potential to positively shift client choices among the items available in a food pantry setting. SWAP is one component of a suite of changes to the charitable food system that have the potential to alleviate food insecurity, improve diet quality, and assist clients in managing diet-related diseases.

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.

Achieving Food Security Through Localisation, Not Aid: “De-development” and Food Sovereignty in the Palestinian Territories

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-218
Author(s):  
Yara M. Asi
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Sovereignty ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Food Aid ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Palestinian Territories ◽  
Humanitarian Crises

Food aid is a common response to the food insecurity brought by conflict and inadequate development. Yet the very well-intentioned actions that are meant to stave off immediate humanitarian crises may, in the long-term, serve as tools that promote dependence, decrease the likelihood of sustainable development, and make peace less possible. In this article, I examine food insecurity and food aid in the conflict-affected Palestinian territories. I will describe ways in which Palestinian efforts to localise food production and increase food security are actively hindered, as well as how the system of humanitarian food assistance meant to fill these gaps may in fact perpetuate them. Finally, I discuss policy recommendations for stakeholders in the conflict that can encourage Palestinian food sovereignty in a manner that increases prospects for long-term peace and development, while providing immediate benefits for Palestinian quality of life and well-being.

scholarly journals Food Insecurity in Older Adults: Gerontology Students and RSVP a Partnership that Works

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 841-841
Author(s):  
Phyllis Greenberg ◽  
Jessica VanderWerf
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Food Banks ◽  
Meals On Wheels ◽  
Catholic Charities ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The University

Abstract A gerontology course related to policies /programs each year researches, develops and designs a service-learning project related to an issue/concern for older adults and their quality of life. Students wanted to work with vulnerable older adults and after research and discussion decided on tackling the issue of food insecurity in older adults. Food insecurity is a growing issue for older adults which has been exasperated by COVID-19. According to Meals on Wheels America (2020) there has been a 22% increase in the number of older adults needing food assistance. In addition, while the need for food banks has increased donations have declined (Next Avenue, 2020). Students partnered with RSVP, which had previously conducted a food donation project.. Students took on the responsibility for advertising, soliciting grocery stores to allow us to set up and engage shoppers in purchasing items for the project. In addition, they reached out to the university community and set up food donation stations. RSVP sent out emails to their constituents to encourage them to volunteer and do their shopping on the date of the project. Students were paired with RSVP volunteers at two stores and provided shopping lists and information about food insecurity in older adults to shoppers. Students collected 566 pounds of food. The food was distributed equally between Catholic Charities, which has a senior shopping program and the Somali Elder Community. Students sorted the food by categories and removed any foods with pork/gelatin products for the Somali Community.

scholarly journals Food bank drive-through distribution during COVID-19: A reflective essay

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Brittney Cavaliere ◽  
Carson Drew ◽  
Katie Martin
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
New England ◽  
Free Food ◽  
People Of Color ◽  
Food Banks ◽  
Food Bank ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
Regional Food ◽  
Food Needs ◽  
To Receive

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprece­dented surge in food insecurity and demand for free food. In response, Foodshare, the regional food bank serving Greater Hartford, Connecticut, created a drive-through distribution program to meet the immediate food needs of residents. Our team at Foodshare’s Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions conducted two surveys of people receiving food at the drive-through distribution to help inform Foodshare’s programming and response to the pandemic. Results show that 70% of households receiving food had never gone to a food pantry or other program to receive free food prior to COVID-19, and 67% said they come at least once a week. Additionally, 86% of guests are not going elsewhere to receive free food and only 37% know of other places to get free food. The majority of people receiving food at the drive-through distribution were people of color, who are those most affected by COVID-19 from both health and financial perspectives. From April to August 2020, Foodshare served an average of 1,500 households each day and more than 150,000 cars total at the drive-through distribution alone. Despite serving an immediate need for food, the drive-through model presents challenges, particu­larly during the New England winter with snow and freezing temperatures, and is an expensive endeavor. Foodshare and other food banks will need to pivot again from short-term pandemic assistance to longer-term approaches to create dignified, convenient, and sustainable access to healthy food for additional people struggling with food insecurity. Food banks can also leverage their extensive platforms of volunteers and donors to advocate for policy changes that will ensure eco­nomic stability and food security.

scholarly journals 0238 Campus Food Pantry Assistance is Related to Better Physical And Mental Health Through Adequate Sleep Among College Students in a Public University System

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A91-A92
Author(s):  
S Martinez ◽  
S Kalaydjian ◽  
L Ritchie ◽  
A Nazmi ◽  
A Prather
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
General Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Student Health ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
Food Pantries

Abstract Introduction Food insecurity is an issue among students in higher education and has been linked to insufficient sleep, and poor mental and general health. College campuses have quickly responded by establishing campus food pantries. However, the extent to which campus food pantries are ameliorating the impacts of food insecurity is unknown. Methods Online survey data were collected from a cross-sectional sample of 1,855 students who were food pantry users in the 10-campus UC system. Students were asked to report their number of visits to a food pantry in the past month, and to rate their general health, depressive symptoms, and number of days of enough sleep (in a week) before and after food pantry access. Changes in days of enough sleep, depressive symptoms and general health were computed. Demographic characteristics were obtained from institutional data. Path analysis was used to examine direct and indirect pathways from food pantry use to depressive symptoms and general health through enough sleep days, controlling for workstudy receipt, Pell grant receipt and family income. Results Students on average were 21.7 years old (SD= 3.5), and had more days of adequate sleep (25%), and improved depressive symptoms (43%) and general health (31%) after obtaining services from a campus food pantry. An increase in monthly food pantry use was directly related to a decrease in depressive symptoms (β= 0.08, p&lt;0.001) and an increase in general health (β= 0.07, p=0.001). Additionally, an increase in food pantry use related to an increase in getting more days of enough sleep (β=0.07, p=0.001), which in turn positively related to a decrease in depressive symptoms (β=0.18, p&lt;0.001) and improved general health (β=0.24, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion Food pantry use had a positive relationship with student health outcomes, and enough sleep days played an important mediating role. Findings suggest that emergency food access may have a positive impact on student health outcomes. Support This study was funded by the UC Campus Basic Needs Committees.

scholarly journals The State of Food (In)Security in the Trans-Himalaya, Upper-Mustang, Nepal

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 92-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rishikesh Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Food Aid ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Global Issue ◽  
Food Transport

Food insecurity is a global issue, with higher prevalence of hunger in developing countries. Low crop yield and food production - due to difficult topography and traditional farming methods - combined with lower income; fluctuations in prices and supply, and low quality of food have been causing food insecurity in Nepal. This research examines food (in)security situation in Upper-Mustang, Nepal. The results are derived from the data collected through face–to-face interviews with the heads of 66 households, in-depth interviews conducted with 22 key informants, and discussions with the group of local people in different (6) places. The household food system was studied from livelihood perspectives and food (in)security was assessed in relation to self-sufficiency or production sufficiency, access, utilization, and stability of food. Households in the Trans-Himalaya acquire food from multiple sources such as farming and livestock ranching, buy food from the market, and also receive food aid for the sake of survival during the food crisis. Food security situation in terms of self-production in Upper-Mustang is at worst stage that many households are facing severe to chronic food insecurity. Studied households access marketed food, though the price they pay is very high. The worrisome issue is that there is no significant improvement in food security situation over time in the Trans-Himalaya. Study found that not the household size but dependency ratio in the household increases food insecurity. On the other hand, quality of farmland in terms of cropping intensity and availability of irrigation rather than the farm-plot size contribute for food security. The issue of food security is still a valid development policy goal for Nepal in general and for the Trans-Himalaya in particular. Accordingly, food security interventions are important. Yet, policy for interventions should look into all components of food systems, particularly providing irrigation, promoting local food varieties, and provisioning for food subsidies and food aid together with subsidies in food transport.

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