scholarly journals Changes in Selected Food Groups Consumption and Quality of Meals in Japanese School Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2743
Author(s):  
Chika Horikawa ◽  
Nobuko Murayama ◽  
Yui Kojima ◽  
Hisako Tanaka ◽  
Naho Morisaki
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Household Income ◽  
The State ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
School Lunches ◽  
State Of Emergency ◽  
Risk Increase ◽  
Low Income Households

In 2020, a state of emergency was declared to control the devastating impact of coronavirus, leading to temporary school closures in Japan, meaning that school lunches were not provided to the majority of schoolchildren. Using questionnaires completed by participants’ guardians, we examined the relationship between household income and the quality of meals in Japanese schoolchildren before, during, and after the state of emergency. Participants (1111 children, 10–14 years old) were chosen to form a nationally representative sample of the Japanese population. “Well-balanced dietary intake” was defined as the intake of (i) meat, fish, or eggs and (ii) vegetables. The desired prevalence was defined as equal to or more than twice a day. Household income was divided into quartiles. “Well-balanced dietary intake” was lower in all households during the state of emergency compared with before. The proportion of those with a “well-balanced dietary intake” at least twice a day was notably low in both Q3 and Q4 during the state of emergency compared with before the declared state of emergency; relative risk increase (95% CI) were Q1: −19.0% (−19.6% to −18.4%), p < 0.001, Q2: −21.3% (−22.1% to −20.6%) p < 0.001, Q3: −25.4% (−26.1% to −24.7%), p < 0.001, and Q4: −34.8% (−35.6% to −34.0%), p < 0.001. The interaction p (vs. Q1) of Q2, Q3, and Q4 were all <0.001. Guardians from low-income households had significantly higher rates of having less: time, psychological room, and financial position to prepare meals during the state of emergency. Our results suggest that schoolchildren’s quality of meals worsened during the state of emergency, especially in low-income households, because school lunches were not provided.

scholarly journals Affordability of Heathy, Equitable and More Sustainable Diets in Low-Income Households in Brisbane before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4386
Author(s):  
Amanda J. Lee ◽  
Dori Patay ◽  
Lisa-Maree Herron ◽  
Ru Chyi Tan ◽  
Evelyn Nicoll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimum Wage ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Sustainable Diets ◽  
Cost Differential ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low Income Households

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased food insecurity worldwide, yet there has been limited assessment of shifts in the cost and affordability of healthy, equitable and sustainable diets. This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and income supplements provided by the Australian government on diet cost and affordability for low-income households in an Australian urban area. The Healthy Diets ASAP method protocol was applied to assess the cost and cost differential of current and recommended diets before (in 2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (late 2020) for households with a minimum-wage and welfare-only disposable household income, by area of socioeconomic disadvantage, in Greater Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Data were collected between August and October, 2020, from 78 food outlets and compared with data collected in the same locations between May and October, 2019, in an earlier study. The price of most healthy food groups increased significantly during the pandemic—with the exception of vegetables and legumes, which decreased. Conversely, the price of discretionary foods and drinks did not increase during the pandemic. The cost of the current and recommended diets significantly increased throughout this period, but the latter continued to be less expensive than the former. Due to income supplements provided between May and September 2020, the affordability of the recommended diet improved greatly, by 27% and 42%, for households with minimum-wage and welfare-only disposable household income, respectively. This improvement in the affordability of the recommended diet highlights the need to permanently increase welfare support for low-income families to ensure food security.

Associations between risk of malnutrition with dietary intake in people of older age: results from the HELIAD study

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eirini Mamalaki ◽  
Costas A. Anastasiou ◽  
Meropi D. Kontogianni ◽  
Mary H. Kosmidis ◽  
Georgios M. Hadjigeorgiou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Nutritional Risk ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Specific Food

AbstractIntroductionLife expectancy has increased leading to a concomitant increase in the population of older people. Malnutrition, a major problem in this age group, deteriorates their health and quality of life. The association between risk of malnutrition and dietary intake has not been investigated sufficiently. The aim of this study was to examine potential associations between risk of malnutrition and dietary intake in a representative cohort of adults ≥ 65 years old.Materials and methods1,831 older people (mean age 73.1 ± 5.9 years old) from the HELIAD study were included in the analyses. Risk of malnutrition was assessed with the “Determine your Nutritional Health” checklist. Total score of the questionnaire ranges from 1–21, with 0–2 indicating good nutritional status, 3–5 moderate nutritional risk and ≥ 6 high nutritional risk. Dietary intake was evaluated with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, validated for the Greek population, from which consumption of specific food groups (non-refined cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, red meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, alcohol and sweets in servings/day) was estimated, as well as adherence to the Mediterranean diet, using a relevant a priori score.Results35.8% of the participants were well-nourished, 34.8% were at moderate nutritional risk and 29.4% were at high nutritional risk. Total energy intake did not differ between the groups (1,984 ± 500 kcal/day for those well-nourished, 1,995 ± 537 kcal/day for those at moderate nutritional risk and 1,934 ± 566 kcal/day for those at high nutritional risk, p = 0.140). Well-nourished older people consumed per day more portions of vegetables, fruits, legumes, poultry, sweets and fewer portions of alcohol compared to those at moderate and high risk (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, adherence to the Mediterranean diet differed significantly between the groups, i.e. those well-nourished had greater adherence to the Mediterranean Diet compared to the other groups (p < 0.001).DiscussionAlthough energy intake did not differ between the groups, there were significant differences in quality of their diet, as this was depicted in specific food group intake and adherence to a healthy dietary pattern. Thus, health experts should also consider diet quality when screening malnutrition in this vulnerable age group.

Does Investing in Rail Transit Benefit the Poor? A Comparative Study of Rail and Bus Travel by Low-Income Households in the California Household Travel Survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (6) ◽  
pp. 11-20
Author(s):  
Ryland Lu
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Bus Rapid Transit ◽  
Rail Transit ◽  
Rapid Transit ◽  
Travel Survey ◽  
Household Travel Survey ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Household Travel ◽  
Low Income Households

This paper addresses academic discourse that critiques urban rail transit projects for their regressive impacts on the poor and proposes bus funding as a more equitable investment for urban transit agencies. The author analyzed data from the 2012 California Household Travel Survey on transit trips in Los Angeles County. The author cross-tabulated data on the modal breakdown of transit trips by household income category and on the breakdown of household income associated with trips by bus and rail transit modes. The author also comparatively evaluated the speed of trips (as a ratio of miles per hour) taken by rail and by bus by low-income households in the county. The author found convincing evidence that, on average, trips low-income households made by rail transit covered a greater distance per hour than trips taken by bus transit, but that trips made on the county’s bus rapid transit services with dedicated rights-of-way had a higher mean speed than those taken by rail. Moreover, the mode and income cross-tabulations indicate that rail transit projects only partially serve low-income households’ travel needs. To the extent that equitable transit planning entails minimizing the disparities in access, both rail and bus rapid transit projects can advance social justice if they are targeted at corridors where they can serve travel demand by low-income, transit dependent households.

scholarly journals Snacking, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and child obesity in low-income households

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine E. Walsh ◽  
Rebecca Seguin-Fowler ◽  
Alice Ammerman ◽  
Karla Hanson ◽  
Stephanie B. Pitts Jilcott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Childhood Overweight ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Beverage Consumption ◽  
Snack Foods ◽  
Childhood Overweight And Obesity ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Low Income Households

Purpose Snacking contributes to one-quarter of children’s total daily energy intake in the USA, with many snack foods being nutrient-poor and energy-dense. Snacking and sugary beverage consumption have been identified as potential contributors to childhood overweight and obesity and may play a particularly important role among children from socioeconomically disadvantaged households that generally display higher rates of obesity. This exploratory study investigated associations between consumption of snack foods, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and overweight and obesity in children from low-income households. Design/methodology/approach Data from households that participated in a multi-state cost-offset (CO-CSA) community supported agriculture intervention in 2016 and 2017 (n = 305) were analyzed. Fixed effect regression models were used to estimate associations between child monthly consumption of salty snack foods; sweet snack foods and SSBs; and child weight status, accounting for demographic characteristics. Findings No associations were found between snack or SSB consumption and child overweight. However, household income was significantly, negatively related to all three consumption variables (Salty snacks: ß = −0.09, SE = 0.04, p = 0.02; Sweet snacks: ß= −0.10, SE = 0.04, p = 0.01; SSB: ß= −0.21, SE = 0.05, p = 0.0001). The results suggest that household income may play an important role in children’s snacking and SSB behaviors among more disadvantaged households. Practical implications Factors beyond snack food and SSB consumption should be explored to better understand childhood overweight and obesity, and to inform future obesity interventions. Originality/value Socioeconomic disparities in childhood obesity are an ongoing policy-relevant issue within the USA and internationally. This study provides new information about child snacking behaviors in a unique, low-income population and contributes to the evidence base regarding the role household context in shaping child consumption behaviors.

What Do Ontario Children Eat for Breakfast? Food Group, Energy and Macronutrient Intake

2003 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Hooper ◽  
Susan Evers
Keyword(s):  
Energy Intake ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Macronutrient Intake ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Prevention Project ◽  
Breakfast Food ◽  
24 Hour Recall

This study included 305 children living in Ontario in 1993. Our objective was to determine the proportion of daily energy and macronutrient intake consumed at breakfast, and the major food groups contributing to this meal. Demographic data were obtained in a parent interview that was part of the prevention project Better Beginnings, Better Futures. A single 24-hour recall among parents indicated that breakfast provided a mean of 1,230 (± 607) kJ. Although only 4.9% (n=15) of children ate nothing at breakfast, 26.9% had <837 kJ. Many (59.7%) had a mid-morning snack; however, children who consumed <837 kJ at breakfast were not more likely to have a snack than were those who had a greater energy intake. The major sources of energy were foods from the milk (27.4%), cereals (22.1%), and breads (14.1%) groups. Energy intake at breakfast was no different in children whose household income was at or above the low-income cutoff than in children whose household income was below the cutoff. While few children missed breakfast, many needed more energy at this meal, and non-economic as well as economic influences on breakfast consumption need to be identified.

scholarly journals Nutritional Quality of Breakfast Consumed by the Low-Income Population in Brazil: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Ramos de Sousa ◽  
Raquel B. A. Botelho ◽  
Rita de Cássia C. A. Akutsu ◽  
Renata Puppin Zandonadi
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Trans Fatty Acids ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the nutritional quality of breakfast consumed by the low-income Brazilian population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 1547 low-income individuals attending 36 Community Restaurants (CRs) in Brazil. Food consumption was analyzed by the frequency of food groups presented in the 24 h recall for three days. The nutritional consumption consisted of the analysis of the total energetic value (TEV) and the macronutrients, fibers, monounsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids, calcium, and sodium. The nutrients were evaluated considering the percentage of contribution concerning the daily recommendation of consumption. Results: Among the 4641 breakfasts expected to be consumed and reported, 17.2% (n = 797) of the consumers did not consume breakfast. Therefore, we analyzed the 3844 breakfasts. The analysis of food groups showed a high consumption of dairy and cereals, and low consumption of fruits, roots/tubers, and meat/eggs. The percentages of energy contribution of the macronutrients in the TEV were adequate for a balanced diet. The mean intake of monounsaturated fatty acids was low, and the contribution percentages of saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids were within the recommendations. The mean fiber intake of the breakfast was low, agreeing with the result of low fruit consumption. Calcium intake covered 73.49% of that expected for this meal, and sodium intake was adequate in breakfast. Conclusion: The individuals studied consumed a nutritionally balanced breakfast. Although dairy was one of the most consumed groups, calcium consumption was low, indicating the need to consume higher portions of food sources of this nutrient.

scholarly journals It's the State, Stupid: 21st Gentrification and State-Led Evictions

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 134-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsteen Paton ◽  
Vickie Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
The State ◽  
Cumulative Impacts ◽  
Paradigmatic Shift ◽  
Low Income Households

In this paper we show how the form and effects of gentrification have advanced in the post crash, recessionary context. As such, we argue that state-led gentrification contributes to state-led evictions. The cumulative impacts of government cuts and the paradigmatic shift of housing from a social to financialised entity not only increases eviction risk amongst low income households but, through various legal repossession frameworks that prioritise ownership, the state actively endorses it. Given the nature and extent of these changes in housing, we argue that the state-led gentrification has advanced further. Evictions, we argue, are the new urban frontier and this is orchestrated by the state in fundamental ways.

scholarly journals Experiences and the quality of life of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of COVID-19 restrictive measures in Serbia

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-231
Author(s):  
Tamara Džamonja-Ignjatović ◽  
Biljana Stanković ◽  
Tamara Klikovac
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
The State ◽  
State Of Emergency ◽  
Restrictive Measures

This paper is part of a broader qualitative study examining the experience of people during the first wave of the pandemic in Serbia when the state of emergency was proclaimed, and the effects of this situation on the quality of life and mental health of specific age groups. The paper presents the results of interviews conducted with people over 65, who were particularly affected by the introduced restrictive measures, due to which many senior citizens felt a significant decline in the quality of life, accompanied by the risk of developing various emotional problems. In order to understand better their specific experiences during the pandemic and the related measures introduced, we conducted a qualitative study taking into account the characteristics of previous life contexts, the changes in daily life and life quality during the pandemic, emotional reactions and coping strategies, as well as their expectations of the future. During April and early May 2020, sixteen people of both sexes (4 male) were interviewed, aged 65 to 87 (M = 71.19 years). The transcripts of the semi-structured interviews were processed in Maxqda qualitative analysis software and analysed by the principle of thematic analysis. The general conclusion is that the elderly from our sample adapted without major difficulties and managed to maintain a satisfactory level of their subjective well-being despite the pandemic and restrictive measures, with the help and support of their immediate social environment and in the context of the former general quality of life. This resulted in good adaptive strategies and outcomes, even in the situation of the restricted need satisfaction. However, the findings of the research indicate that, in the elderly, reactions to the pandemic are different from the reactions to the introduced measures - the tolerance of the elderly to the endangerment of personal needs is greater than the tolerance to the endangerment of personal rights and dignity. While the concern about one's own health was not explicitly expressed, the citizens older than 65 felt more affected by the introduction of the state of emergency and, especially, by the restrictive measures. The introduced measures of isolation resulted in increased negative feelings and a decline in the quality of life, as well as perceiving the threat to one's personal dignity.

Minimum Wage Effects on Household Income Distribution and the Labor Market

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Chim Richard Wong
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Labor Market ◽  
Income Inequality ◽  
Income Distribution ◽  
Minimum Wage ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Basic Income ◽  
Wage Effects ◽  
Low Income Households

It is a mistake to believe that the minimum wage helps low-income households, the workers, and, to a lesser extent, even among the high-income households. For Hong Kong to genuinely address poverty, it is far more important to study much more comprehensively the real incidence and causes of poverty and not let politics get in the way. The provision of a basic income is a far better policy than a minimum wage. Has minimum wage made a difference in helping low-income households and reducing income inequality? What effect has it had on labor market employment and unemployment?

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