Access Granted? An Examination of Financial Capability, Trait Hope, Perceived Access, and Food Insecurity in Distressed Census Tracts

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Ross Gilbert ◽  
Christy Ashley
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Financial Capability ◽  
Census Tracts ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Fresh Food ◽  
Trait Hope ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Nutrition Assistance Programs ◽  
Perceived Access

Food insecurity and poor nutrition negatively affect consumer health and well-being. Trait hope is conceptualized as a powerful thought process that can facilitate change. However, it is unclear how trait hope, the sense that one can successfully plan and put forth energy to meet goals, influences food insecurity among impoverished consumers. The authors conducted an evaluative study using in-home surveys (n = 498) in seven distressed census tracts of a midsized southeastern U.S. city to understand how financial capability and trait hope, a cognitive process, interact to influence perceived access to fresh food among Black and Hispanic consumers that disproportionately face food insecurity. Trait hope positively moderated the relationship between financial capability and perceived access, which was related to lower food insecurity. The results, which indicated important differences related to race/ethnicity, suggest that interventions that improve financial capability and increase trait hope may improve efficacy of food and nutrition assistance programs.

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.

scholarly journals Food Insecurity and Dietary Quality in Older Adults: Do Nutrition Assistance Programs Play a Protective Role?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1379-1379
Author(s):  
Nicholas Bishop ◽  
Sarah Ullevig ◽  
Krystle Zuniga ◽  
Kaipeng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Linear Modeling ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Supplemental Food ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Nutrition Assistance Programs ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives The emergence of food insecurity as a primary nutrition-related health issue among older adults suggests a need to examine how nutritional assistance programs are related to food insecurity and dietary quality in aging populations. This project examines food insecurity and dietary quality in US adults age 65 and older and the impact of nutrition assistance programs. Methods The sample was drawn from the 2012 Health and Retirement Study and 2013 Health Care and Nutrition Study and included 3779 respondents representing a population of 37,217,566 adults aged 65 and older. Food insecurity was a binary measure based on the USDA six-item US Adult Food Security Survey Module. Two forms of nutritional assistance included receipt of supplemental food from sources such as food banks and Meals-on-Wheels (1 = yes, 0 = no) and reported receipt of SNAP benefits (1 = yes, 0 = no). Dietary quality was measured using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 based on a food frequency questionnaire. General linear modeling adjusting for covariates and complex sampling design was used to test if nutritional assistance moderated the association between food insecurity and AHEI-2010. Results Around 10% of the sample was food insecure, 14% reported receipt of supplemental food, and 6.4% were SNAP benefit recipients. In covariate-adjusted models, food insecurity and receipt of SNAP benefits were not associated with AHEI-2010, but receipt of supplemental food was (b = −1.39, SE = 0.67, P = 0.038). Receipt of supplemental food moderated the association between AHEI-2010 and food insecurity (P = 0.001). Simple effect estimates suggested that among those not receiving supplemental food, the food insecure had lower AHEI-2010 scores than the food secure (b = −2.15, SE = 0.88, P = 0.014). Among those receiving supplemental food, the food insecure had greater AHEI-2010 scores than the food secure (b = 2.62, SE = 1.25, P = 0.035) and similar AHEI-2010 scores as the food secure not receiving supplemental food. Conclusions Preliminary analysis suggests that receipt of supplemental food appears to be associated with better dietary quality among food-insecure older adults and confirms the importance of food assistance programs in combating the negative effect of food insecurity on dietary quality. Funding Sources This work is supported by the Texas State University Research Enhancement Program.

scholarly journals Assessing the Likely Impacts of Proposed Food Boxes on SNAP Recipients

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Ahoefa Ananouko
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Budget Request ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Government ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Nutrition Assistance Programs

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is the largest of the federal food and nutrition assistance programs. Studies show that SNAP is vital in increasing recipients’ food budgets, as reflected in recipients’ food spending before and after the 2009 Stimulus Package. SNAP has also been shown to reduce food insecurity for U.S. households. Proposed changes to SNAP by the Trump administration in its initial 2019 budget request could have major impacts on households that depend on the program to lessen the setbacks caused by poverty. Based on economic theory and results from previous studies examining expenditure responses to changes in SNAP, this article explores possible impacts of allocating half of SNAP benefits in the form of food boxes. It argues that these changes would have a negative impact on low-income households—especially children. These changes could create further food insecurity among some of the most vulnerable, while also increasing costs to the government.

Hunger, Nutrition, and Food Programs

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine Siefert
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
High Standard ◽  
The United States ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Adequate Funding ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Nutrition Assistance Programs

Food insecurity and hunger are serious problems around the world, with an estimated 870 million people chronically undernourished. The vast majority of these people—an estimated 14.9%—live in developing countries. Although federal food and nutrition assistance programs and the generally high standard of living in the United States have eliminated the more extreme forms of hunger found in developing countries, less severe but nonetheless serious forms of hunger and food insecurity affect millions of households. Food and nutrition programs require adequate funding, increased access, and further evaluation, but to achieve the goals of ending hunger and assuring food security for all, multisectoral strategies that address the macro-level determinants of food security are needed.

scholarly journals Food Insecurity Experiences of Idaho Head Start Families

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry Deiter ◽  
Yitza A. Arcelay-Rojas
Keyword(s):  
Head Start ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
The Social ◽  
Limited Food ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Nutrition Assistance Programs ◽  
Head Start Programs

Using the social-ecological model, this basic interpretive qualitative study sought to examine the phenomenon of food insecurity among Idaho Head Start enrolled families, focusing on barriers and deterrents to accessing available nutrition assistance programs. A total of 11 interviews were conducted with parents who had children enrolled in five Idaho Head Start programs. The data were coded and analyzed and are reflective of how individual, interpersonal, community, and organizational levels factors are reflected in participants’ decisions to access available nutrition assistance programs. Participants reported feelings of stigma and shame and transportation concerns as individual barriers as well as the interpersonal barrier of a lack of support systems. Lack of awareness of resources, limited food choices, and the questionable quality of foods provided at pantries were noted among the community and organizational deterrents. The results of this study may be used to create interventions that promote food security among Head Start families.

scholarly journals Attitudes toward Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs in Caregivers of Children with Moderate–Acute Malnutrition Younger than 5 Years in Denpasar, Bali: A Qualitative Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-474
Author(s):  
K. Desak Ketut Dewi Satiawati ◽  
Pande Putu Januraga
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Acute Malnutrition ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Supplementary Food ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Malnourished Children ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Nutrition Assistance Programs ◽  
Moderate Acute Malnutrition

Background: Providing additional nutriment represents one strategy for overcoming moderate–acute malnutrition (MAM) in children younger than 5 years. However, it is important to examine how well received such Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) are by caregivers in order to ensure optimal results. Objective: This study explores SNAP’s reception by caregivers of MAM children younger than 5 years. Methods: Qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 16 selected caregivers and 5 Nutritional Executives from October to November, 2016 at 4 health centers in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. The results are presented to highlight the underlying patterns of SNAP’s acceptance. Results: Overall, the informants responded negatively to SNAP, reporting that it was of limited usefulness. The results show 4 main themes relating to the receipt of SNAP. The first relates to the caregiver’s preferences in terms of the types of supplementary food on offer. Second, caregiver’s perceptions that the child was not, in fact, in a state of illness or disease due to a medical issue. Third, that the caregiver does not require supplementary food as they maintain that they are able to buy it independently. Fourth, factors related to the lack of support for health-care workers working with malnourished children. Conclusion: The study finds that strengthening the role of health workers in terms of enabling them to effectively communicate the benefits of supplementary food to caregivers as well as adjusting the range of foods available according to the recipient’s preferences is critical in overcoming malnutrition in children younger than 5 years.

scholarly journals Socio-Ecological Barriers to Dry Grain Pulse Consumption among Low-Income Women: A Mixed Methods Approach

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelly Palmer ◽  
Donna Winham ◽  
Ann Oberhauser ◽  
Ruth Litchfield
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Ecological Barriers ◽  
Detailed Instruction ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Nutrition Assistance Programs ◽  
Federal Assistance

The purpose of this study was to determine the socio-ecological influences on dry grain pulse consumption (beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas) among low-socioeconomic women in Iowa. Seven focus groups were conducted, with 36 women who qualified for income-based federal assistance. Data were collected from October 2017 to January 2018. Participants completed a survey that gathered individual demographics, assessed perceptions of dry grain pulses, and level of food security. Fifty-eight percent of the women were non-Hispanic white, and 39% were African American, all with an average age of 34.7 years. Thirty-three percent of the women consumed pulses less than once per week. Over 80% agreed that beans were healthful and satiating. Some health benefits of beans were unknown by more than 33% of the population, e.g., lower cancer risk, lower LDL, maintain blood glucose. Only 30% of the women were food secure. Focus group audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed by two researchers, using the grounded theory approach. At the policy level, participants knew pulses were included in USA federal nutrition assistance programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Pulses were widely available in grocery stores in communities. Interpersonally, women felt that male partners preferred meats, and children needed animal-source proteins. Individually, women perceived uncooked dry pulses were challenging to prepare. Conclusively, more detailed instruction on pulse preparation, different pulse varieties, and offering canned pulses through WIC may increase consumption.

scholarly journals Perspective: The Convergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Food Insecurity in the United States

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M Nagata ◽  
Hilary K Seligman ◽  
Sheri D Weiser
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
United States Food ◽  
Households With Children ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

ABSTRACT During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, food insecurity has doubled overall and tripled among households with children in the United States. Food insecurity and COVID-19 may exacerbate one another through bidirectional links, leading to a syndemic, or sequential disease clusters, which exacerbate one another. Experiencing food insecurity may be associated with macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies, which can weaken host defenses, thus increasing susceptibility to COVID-19. Food insecurity is associated with chronic medical conditions, which may afford a higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness. People experiencing food insecurity may have increased exposure to COVID-19 while procuring food. People with COVID-19 may be unable to work, generate income, and procure food while quarantined, which may exacerbate food insecurity. Clinicians should screen for food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide referrals to food-assistance programs when appropriate. Policymakers should expand benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to address increases in the depth and breadth of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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