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Cheng J, Malone A, Thorndike AN. Importance of Nutrition Security to CVD Prevention Efforts in the USA. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:219-230. [PMID: 36995553 PMCID: PMC10060138 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01097-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The importance of addressing nutrition security for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the USA is reviewed by describing the relationships between food security, diet quality, and CVD risk along with the ability of governmental, community, and healthcare policies and interventions to address nutrition security. RECENT FINDINGS Existing safety net programs have shown to be effective at improving food security and diet quality and reducing risk for CVD, but continued efforts to increase reach and improve standards are needed. Adoption of policies, healthcare initiatives, and community- and individual-level interventions addressing the nutritional intake of socioeconomically disadvantaged populations may also lessen CVD burden, but scaling interventions remains a key challenge. Research suggests simultaneously addressing food security and diet quality is feasible and could help reduce socioeconomic disparities in CVD morbidity and mortality. Intervening at multiple levels among high-risk groups should be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cheng
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Ashlie Malone
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Anne N. Thorndike
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Harvard Medical School, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 1600, Boston, MA 02114 USA
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2
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Katre A, Raddatz B. Low-Income Families' Direct Participation in Food-Systems Innovation to Promote Healthy Food Behaviors. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051271. [PMID: 36904271 PMCID: PMC10005603 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-income families, especially those who reside in food deserts, face significant systemic barriers regarding their ability to access affordable and nutritious food. The food behaviors exhibited by low-income families are a reflection of the shortcomings of the built environment and conventional food system. Policy and public-health initiatives to improve food security have, thus far, failed to deliver interventions that simultaneously address multiple pillars of food security. Centering the voices of the marginalized and their place-based knowledge may result in the development of food-access solutions that are a much better fit for the population that they intend to serve. Community-based participatory research has emerged as a solution to better meet the needs of communities in food-systems innovation, but little is known about the extent to which direct participation improves nutritional outcomes. The purpose of this research is to answer the following question: how can food-access solutions authentically engage marginalized community members in food-system innovation, and if participation is related to changes in their food behaviors, how is it related? This action research project leveraged a mixed-methods approach to analyze nutritional outcomes and define the nature of participation for 25 low-income families who reside in a food desert. Our findings suggest that nutritional outcomes improve when major barriers to healthy food consumption are addressed, for example, time, education, and transportation. Furthermore, participation in social innovations can be characterized by the nature of involvement as either a producer or consumer, actively or inactively involved. We conclude that when marginalized communities are at the center of food-systems innovation, individuals self-select their level of participation, and when primary barriers are addressed, deeper participation in food-systems innovation is associated with positive changes in healthy food behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Katre
- College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Minnesota Duluth, 1201 Ordean Court, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Brianna Raddatz
- College of Education and Human Service Professions, University of Minnesota Duluth, 1201 Ordean Court, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
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Hume C, Grieger JA, Kalamkarian A, D'Onise K, Smithers LG. Community gardens and their effects on diet, health, psychosocial and community outcomes: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1247. [PMID: 35739494 PMCID: PMC9229094 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13591-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We systematically reviewed the effects of community gardens on physical and psychosocial health, health behaviors and community outcomes. Methods Quantitative studies that examined associations of health, psychosocial or community outcomes with community gardens were included in the review. Studies up to December 2020 were captured from searches of Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, EBSCOHost and CAB Abstracts. Data were extracted and study quality including risk of bias was examined. Results There were 53 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Studies examining associations between community gardens and nutrition or food security were most frequently reported (k = 23). Other factors examined for associations with community gardens were health (k = 16), psychosocial (k = 16) and community outcomes (k = 7). Effects appeared positive for fruit and vegetable intake, some psychosocial and community outcomes, but mixed for physical health outcomes. Evidence quality overall was low. Conclusions Community gardening was associated with higher fruit and vegetable intake, positive psychosocial and community outcomes, but poor evidence quality suggests the effects of community gardening may be overestimated. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13591-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Hume
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia.
| | - Jessica A Grieger
- Adelaide Medical School, North Terrace, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, 5006, Australia
| | - Anna Kalamkarian
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Katina D'Onise
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia.,Wellbeing SA, Citicentre, Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Lisa G Smithers
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, 5006, Australia.,School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
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Sandha P, Holcomb JP, Holben DH. Field Notes:* Household Food Security and Gardening of Mothers with Young Children Living in Prince Edward Island. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2021.1873884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Prabhdeep Sandha
- Department of Nutrition, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - John P. Holcomb
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - David H. Holben
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
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Tharrey M, Darmon N. Urban collective garden participation and health: a systematic literature review of potential benefits for free-living adults. Nutr Rev 2021; 80:6-21. [PMID: 33997887 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Collective gardens are increasingly considered a tool to promote health and well-being. OBJECTIVE In this systematic review, we critically appraise quantitative studies exploring the potential health benefits of urban collective garden participation. DATA SOURCES Articles published between January 2000 and August 2020 were used. DATA EXTRACTION All original research studies reporting at least 1 health outcomes associated with urban collective gardening in free-living adults from Western and other high-income countries were included. Of 1261 articles identified, 15 were included in the systematic review. Methodological quality was assessed by applying the criteria of the Quantitative Study Quality Assessment Tool. ANALYSIS A wide range of health indicators was used. Collective gardening was associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption than was nongardening. Mixed results were found for physical activity and physiological health. A positive association was found in most studies with mental health and social health. However, the vast majority of included studies were cross-sectional and presented selection bias (n = 13 of 15 for both) and very few used objective measurement methods (n = 3 of 15). CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal studies allowing the exploration of causal relationships are needed before the health benefits of collective garden participation suggested by existing studies can be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Tharrey
- M. Tharrey and N. Darmon are with MoISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicole Darmon
- M. Tharrey and N. Darmon are with MoISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France
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Tharrey M, Sachs A, Perignon M, Simon C, Mejean C, Litt J, Darmon N. Improving lifestyles sustainability through community gardening: results and lessons learnt from the JArDinS quasi-experimental study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1798. [PMID: 33243204 PMCID: PMC7690132 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09836-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite an increasing number of studies highlighting the health benefits of community gardening, the literature is limited by cross-sectional designs. The "JArDinS" quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the impact of community garden participation on the adoption of more sustainable lifestyles among French adults. METHODS Individuals entering a community garden in Montpellier (France) in 2018 (n = 66) were compared with pairwise matched individuals with no experience in community gardening (n = 66). Nutritional quality, environmental impact and cost of monthly household food supplies, level of physical activity measured by accelerometers, as well as mental and social well-being, sensitivity to food waste, and connection with nature were evaluated at baseline (t0) and 12 months later (t1) to explore sustainability of lifestyles in social/health, environmental and economic dimensions. Linear mixed models were used to determine the independent effect of community gardening on investigated lifestyles components. In-depth interviews were conducted at t1 with 15 gardeners to better understand changes that may have occurred in gardeners' lives during the first year of gardening. RESULTS At t0, gardeners had lower education level, lower BMI and their household reported lower percentage of meals consumed outside of the home compared to non-gardeners (p < 0.05). Participating in the community garden had no significant impact, in spite of sufficient statistical power, on fruit and vegetables supplies (main outcome), nor on physical activity parameters, nor on others of the social/health, environmental and economic lifestyles components investigated. Qualitative interviews suggested the existence of pre-established health and environmental consciousness in some gardeners and revealed several barriers to the participation such as lack of time, lack of gardening knowledge, physical difficulty of gardening, health problems and conflicts with other gardeners. CONCLUSIONS The health benefits of community gardening previously reported by cross-sectional studies might be confounded by selection bias. The JArDinS study highlights the need to identify solutions to overcome barriers related to community garden participation when designing relevant public health interventions for the promotion of sustainable lifestyles. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03694782 . Date of registration: 3rd October 2018, retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Tharrey
- MOISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France.
| | - Ashby Sachs
- University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Marlène Perignon
- MOISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
| | - Chantal Simon
- CarMen Laboratory, INSERM 1060, INRA 1397, University of Lyon, F-69600, Oullins, France
| | - Caroline Mejean
- MOISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
| | - Jill Litt
- University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicole Darmon
- MOISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
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Placemaking in Action: Factors That Support or Obstruct the Development of Urban Community Gardens. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12020657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The paper examines factors that support or obstruct the development of urban community garden projects. It combines a systematic scholarly literature review with empirical research from case studies located in New Zealand and Germany. The findings are discussed against the backdrop of placemaking processes: urban community gardens are valuable platforms to observe space-to-place transformations. Following a social-constructionist approach, literature-informed enablers and barriers for the development of urban community gardens are analysed against perceived notions informed by local interviewees with regard to their biophysical and technical, socio-cultural and economic, and political and administrative dimensions. These dimensions are incorporated into a systematic and comprehensive category system. This approach helps observe how the essential biophysical-material base of the projects is overlaid with socio-cultural factors and shaped by governmental or administrative regulations. Perceptual differences become evident and are discussed through the lens of different actors.
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Sahyoun NR, Jamaluddine Z, Choufani J, Mesmar S, Reese-Masterson A, Ghattas H. A mixed-methods evaluation of community-based healthy kitchens as social enterprises for refugee women. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1590. [PMID: 31783830 PMCID: PMC6883597 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7950-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to investigate the potential impact of a community-based intervention - the Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Children (HKHC) intervention - on participating women’s household’s economics and food security status, decision making, mental health and social support. Methods We established two healthy kitchens in existing community-based organizations in Palestinian camps in Lebanon. These were set up as small business enterprises, using participatory approaches to develop recipes and train women in food preparation, food safety and entrepreneurship. We used a mixed-methods approach to assess the impact of participating in the program on women’s economic, food security, decision making, social and mental health outcomes. A questionnaire was administered to women at baseline and at an 8-month endpoint. The end line survey was complemented by a set of embedded open-ended questions. Results Thirty-two Palestinian refugee women were employed within the kitchens on a rotating basis. Participating women had a 13% increase in household expenditure. This was translated into a significant increase in food (p < 0.05) and clothing expenditures (p < 0.01), as well as a reduction in food insecurity score (p < 0.01). These findings were supported by qualitative data which found that the kitchens provided women with financial support in addition to a space to form social bonds, discuss personal issues and share experiences. Conclusions This model created a social enterprise using the concept of community kitchens linked to schools and allowed women to significantly contribute to household expenditure and improve their food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine R Sahyoun
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Zeina Jamaluddine
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, POBox 11-0236/EPHD, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Jowel Choufani
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, POBox 11-0236/EPHD, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon.,International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Sandra Mesmar
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, POBox 11-0236/EPHD, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Amelia Reese-Masterson
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, POBox 11-0236/EPHD, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon.,CitySeed, Inc., New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hala Ghattas
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, POBox 11-0236/EPHD, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon.
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Linking women-led community kitchens to school food programmes: lessons learned from the Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Children intervention in Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. Public Health Nutr 2019; 23:914-923. [PMID: 31753059 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980019003161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Decades of marginalization have led Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon to experience multigenerational poverty and food insecurity. The Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Children programme implemented and examined the impact of a two-pronged intervention that employed women through community kitchens to deliver a subsidized healthy daily school snack to elementary-school children in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. We describe the rationale, study design, theorized impact pathways, and discuss lessons learned. DESIGN The programme was quasi-experimental. We conducted formative and process evaluation of both components of the intervention to elucidate the pathways to programme impact. SETTING Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-three women participated in the kitchens and provided subsidized snacks to 714 children. RESULTS Snacks were healthy, traditional Palestinian recipes designed by women and a nutritionist. Participation fluctuated but eventually increased after modifying the meals to ensure acceptability by children. The main challenges to sustainability related to the need for subsidization of the meals and the lack of school policies around the regulation of sales of school food, which together led to fluctuations in programme participation. CONCLUSIONS The study provides lessons learned on the potential of this model to improve the human capital of two generations of protracted refugees. The availability of schools as a constant market for these social enterprises offers an opportunity for sustainable livelihood generation and food security gains. Challenges to sustainability remain and could be addressed through social (subsidies to support the programme) and structural (policies to restrict unhealthy food sales) measures.
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Palar K, Lemus Hufstedler E, Hernandez K, Chang A, Ferguson L, Lozano R, Weiser SD. Nutrition and Health Improvements After Participation in an Urban Home Garden Program. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 51:1037-1046. [PMID: 31601420 PMCID: PMC6949143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2019.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the perceived health benefits of an urban home gardening and nutritional education program in a population at high cardiometabolic risk. DESIGN Qualitative data collected via in-depth, semistructured interviews in Spanish or English. SETTING Community-based program offering supported urban home gardening together with nutrition education in Santa Clara County, CA. PARTICIPANTS A total of 32 purposively sampled low-income participants in an urban home gardening program. Participants were primarily female (n = 24) and Latino/a (n = 22). PHENOMENON OF INTEREST Perceptions of the nutrition and health benefits of education-enhanced urban home gardening. ANALYSIS Bilingual researchers coded transcripts using a hybrid inductive and deductive approach. Two coders double coded at intervals, independently reviewed coding reports, organized content into key themes, and selected exemplary quotations. RESULTS The most salient perceived impacts were greater food access, increased consumption of fresh produce, a shift toward home cooking, and decreased fast food consumption. Participants attributed these changes to greater affordability, freshness, flavor, and convenience of their garden produce; increased health motivation owing to pride in their gardens; and improved nutritional knowledge. Participants also reported improved physical activity, mental health, and stress management; some reported improved weight and adherence to diabetes-healthy diets. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Education-enhanced urban home gardening may facilitate multidimensional nutrition and health improvements in marginalized populations at high cardiometabolic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartika Palar
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
| | - Emiliano Lemus Hufstedler
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; University of California, Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Karen Hernandez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Annie Chang
- University of California, Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Laura Ferguson
- Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Sheri D Weiser
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Institute for Global Health, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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Kleve S, Booth S, Davidson ZE, Palermo C. Walking the Food Security Tightrope-Exploring the Experiences of Low-to-Middle Income Melbourne Households. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102206. [PMID: 30308968 PMCID: PMC6210237 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is limited evidence of how Australian low-to-middle income (AUD $40,000⁻$80,000) households maintain food security. Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods methodology, this study explored and compared the food security (FS) and insecurity (FIS) experiences of these households. An initial quantitative survey categorised participants according to food security status (the 18-item United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module) and income level to identify and purposefully select participants to qualitatively explore food insecurity and security experiences. Of the total number of survey participants (n = 134), 42 were categorised as low-to-middle income. Of these, a subset of 16 participants (8 FIS and 8 FS) was selected, and each participant completed an in-depth interview. The interviews explored precursors, strategies to prevent or address food insecurity, and the implications of the experience. Interview data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Five themes emerged from the analysis: (i) food decision experiences, (ii) assets, (iii) triggers, (iv) activation of assets, and (v) consequences and emotion related to walking the food security tightrope. The leverage points across all themes were more volatile for FIS participants. Low-to-middle income Australians are facing the challenges of trying to maintain or improve their food security status, with similarities to those described in lower income groups, and should be included in approaches to prevent or address food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Kleve
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Level 1, 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill 3168, Australia.
| | - Sue Booth
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5000, Australia.
| | - Zoe E Davidson
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Level 1, 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill 3168, Australia.
| | - Claire Palermo
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Level 1, 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill 3168, Australia.
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Gendron F, Hancherow A, Norton A. Exploring and revitalizing Indigenous food networks in Saskatchewan, Canada, as a way to improve food security. Health Promot Int 2018; 32:808-817. [PMID: 27006363 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The project discussed in this paper was designed to expand research and instigate revitalization of Indigenous food networks in Saskatchewan, Canada, by exploring the current state of local Indigenous food networks, creating a Facebook page, organizing volunteer opportunities and surveying workshop participants regarding their knowledge and interest in Indigenous foods. The survey included Likert scale questions and qualitative questions. Project activities and survey results are discussed using statistical and qualitative analysis of the themes. Results indicate that participants are very interested in learning more about, and having greater access to, traditional foods and suggest that supporting Indigenous food networks may be an appropriate response to food insecurity in communities. Elders and community members are vital players in Indigenous foods exploration and revitalization in Saskatchewan by passing on traditional education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidji Gendron
- First Nations University of Canada, First Nations Way, Regina, Saskatchewan, CanadaS4S 7K2
| | - Anna Hancherow
- First Nations University of Canada, First Nations Way, Regina, Saskatchewan, CanadaS4S 7K2
| | - Ashley Norton
- First Nations University of Canada, First Nations Way, Regina, Saskatchewan, CanadaS4S 7K2
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Abstract
Household food insecurity is a serious public health concern in high-income countries. Canada and the USA regularly monitor household food insecurity, while in other countries, such as the UK, it has been the rapid rise of food bank usage that has drawn increased attention to this longstanding, but largely overlooked, problem. This review evaluates evidence on interventions intended to reduce household food insecurity in high-income countries. Research on social protection interventions suggests both cash transfers and food subsidies (e.g. the US Supplement Nutrition and Assistance Programme) reduce household food insecurity. In contrast, research on community-level interventions, such as food banks and other food programmes, suggests limited impacts. Although food banks have become a common intervention for food insecurity in high-income countries, evidence suggests their reliance on donations of volunteer time and food make them inevitably limited in the assistance they are able to provide. The stigma people feel using food banks may also make them untenable. Alternatives to, or enhanced, food banks such as community shops or community kitchens, have become common, but evidence also suggests they may be limited in effectiveness if they do not reach people experiencing food insecurity. This review highlights the difficulty of trying to address household food insecurity with community-based food interventions when solutions likely lie upstream in social protection policies.
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14
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Al-Delaimy WK, Webb M. Community Gardens as Environmental Health Interventions: Benefits Versus Potential Risks. Curr Environ Health Rep 2017; 4:252-265. [DOI: 10.1007/s40572-017-0133-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Nepper MJ, Chai W. Parents' barriers and strategies to promote healthy eating among school-age children. Appetite 2016; 103:157-164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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16
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Collins PA, Gaucher M, Power EM, Little MH. Implicating municipalities in addressing household food insecurity in Canada: A pan-Canadian analysis of news print media coverage. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2016; 107:e68-e74. [PMID: 27348113 DOI: 10.17269/cjph.107.5231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Household food insecurity (HFI) affects approximately 13% of Canadian households and is especially prevalent among low-income households. Actions to address HFI have been occurring primarily at the local level, despite calls for greater income supports from senior governments to reduce poverty. News media may be reinforcing this trend, by emphasizing food-based solutions to HFI and the municipal level as the site where action needs to take place. The objective of this study was to examine the level and framing of print news media coverage of HFI action in Canada. METHODS Using a quantitative newspaper content analysis approach, we analyzed 547 articles gathered from 2 national and 16 local/regional English-language newspapers published between January 2007 and December 2012. RESULTS News coverage increased over time, and over half was produced from Ontario (33%) and British Columbia (22%) combined. Of the 374 articles that profiled a specific action, community gardens/urban agriculture was most commonly profiled (17%), followed by food banks/meal programs (13%); 70% of articles implicated governments to take action on HFI, and of these, 43% implicated municipal governments. Article tone was notably more negative when senior governments were profiled and more neutral and positive when municipal governments were profiled. CONCLUSION News media reporting of this issue in Canada may be placing pressure on municipalities to engage in food-based actions to address HFI. A more systematic approach to HFI action in Canada will require more balanced media reporting that acknowledges the limitations of food-based solutions to the income-based problem of HFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Collins
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, 138 Union Street, Robert Sutherland Hall 531, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Megan Gaucher
- Department of Gender and Women's Studies, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Elaine M Power
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Margaret H Little
- Departments of Political Studies and Gender Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Okop KJ, Mukumbang FC, Mathole T, Levitt N, Puoane T. Perceptions of body size, obesity threat and the willingness to lose weight among black South African adults: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:365. [PMID: 27129700 PMCID: PMC4850665 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3028-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The obesity epidemic is associated with rising rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among adults, particularly in countries undergoing rapid urbanisation and nutrition transition. This study explored the perceptions of body size, obesity risk awareness, and the willingness to lose weight among adults in a resource-limited urban community to inform appropriate community-based interventions for the prevention of obesity. METHOD This is a descriptive qualitative study. Semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted with purposively selected black men and women aged 35-70 years living in an urban South African township. Weight and height measurements were taken, and the participants were classified into optimal weight, overweight and obese groups based on their body mass index (Kg/m(2)). Participants were asked to discuss on perceived obesity threat and risk of cardiovascular disease. Information on body image perceptions and the willingness to lose excess body weight were also discussed. Discussions were conducted in the local language (isiXhosa), transcribed and translated into English. Data was analysed using the thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Participants generally believed that obesity could lead to health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension. However, severity of obesity was perceived differently in the groups. Men in all groups and women in the obese and optimal weight groups perceived obesity to be a serious threat to their health, whereas the overweight women did not. Obese participants who had experienced chronic disease conditions indicated strong perceptions of risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Obese participants, particularly men, expressed willingness to lose weight, compared to the men and women who were overweight. The belief that overweight is 'normal' and not a disease, subjective norms, and inaccessibility to physical activity facilities, negatively influenced participants' readiness to lose weight. CONCLUSION Low perception of threat of obesity to health particularly among overweight women in this community indicates a considerable challenge to obesity control. Community health education and promotion programmes that increase awareness about the risk associated with overweight, and improve the motivation for physical activity and maintenance of optimal body weight are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kufre Joseph Okop
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa.
| | - Ferdinand C Mukumbang
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
| | - Thubelihle Mathole
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
| | - Naomi Levitt
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thandi Puoane
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
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18
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Roncarolo F, Adam C, Bisset S, Potvin L. Traditional and alternative community food security interventions in Montréal, Québec: different practices, different people. J Community Health 2015; 40:199-207. [PMID: 25012098 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-014-9917-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Food insecurity is steadily increasing in developed countries. Traditional interventions adopted to tackle food insecurity, like food banks, address the urgent need for food. By contrast, alternative interventions, such as community gardens and kitchens, are oriented towards social integration and the development of mutual aid networks. The objective of this paper is to examine whether the populations served by traditional and alternative interventions in food security differ according to measures of vulnerability. We studied newly registered participants to food security interventions. Participants were selected from a random sample of food security community organizations in a two-stage cluster sampling frame. The categorizing variable was participation in a community organization providing either traditional interventions or alternative interventions. Seven measures of vulnerability were used: food security; perceived health; civic participation; perceived social support of the primary network, social isolation, income and education. Regression multilevel models were used to assess associations. 711 participants in traditional interventions and 113 in alternative interventions were enrolled in the study. Between group differences were found with respect to food insecurity, health status perception, civic participation, education and income, but not with respect to social isolation or perceived social support from primary social network. Traditional and alternative food security interventions seem to reach different populations. Participants in traditional interventions were found to have less access to resources, compared to those in alternative interventions. Thus, new participants in traditional interventions may have higher levers of vulnerability than those in alternative interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Roncarolo
- Institut de recherche en santé publique de l'université de Montréal (IRSPUM), Pavillon 7101 avenue du Parc, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada,
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19
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Roncarolo F, Adam C, Bisset S, Potvin L. Food capacities and satisfaction in participants in food security community interventions in Montreal, Canada. Health Promot Int 2015; 31:879-887. [PMID: 26271123 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dav085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity is steadily increasing in Canada. The objective of this paper is to determine if food capacities and satisfaction of recently enrolled participants in food security interventions are associated with the intervention having either a traditional or an alternative type of approach. Participants having recently accessed traditional (n = 711) or alternative community interventions (n = 113) in the Montreal metropolitan area, Canada, were interviewed with a questionnaire. The categorizing variable was participation in a community organization providing either traditional interventions, aimed to help people cope with the urgent need of food, or alternative interventions, aimed at first assistance, in addition to the creation of long-term solutions such as social integration and skills development. Participants' food and nutrition-related capacities and food satisfaction are studied. Multilevel regression models were used to assess whether participants took part in a traditional or alternative interventions. These interventions do not reach the same population. Relative to participants in alternative food security interventions, participants in traditional interventions demonstrated less capacity for accessing information about food safety and healthiness, and perceived their diet as less healthy. Traditional food security participants also paid less attention to the nutritional properties of food and reported less satisfaction with quantity, variety and taste of the food they accessed. The reasons why individuals who may benefit the most from alternative interventions were unlikely to participate should be investigated. The potential that food security interventions may inadvertently reinforce social inequalities in health should be considered in future intervention research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Roncarolo
- IRSPUM, Institut de Recherche en Santé Publique de l'Universitè de Montréal, Pavillon 7101 Avenue du Parc, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, Canada H3C 3J7 .,PHIRNET, Population Health Intervention Research Network, Canada.,Chaire Approches Communautaires et Inégalités de Santé, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Adam
- Chaire Approches Communautaires et Inégalités de Santé, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sherri Bisset
- Agence de la Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Montérégie, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Louise Potvin
- IRSPUM, Institut de Recherche en Santé Publique de l'Universitè de Montréal, Pavillon 7101 Avenue du Parc, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, Canada H3C 3J7.,PHIRNET, Population Health Intervention Research Network, Canada.,Chaire Approches Communautaires et Inégalités de Santé, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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20
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Slater J, Qadar Z, Bewza J. Review of Food and Nutrition Services Provided by Community-based Organizations Serving People with HIV in Canada. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2015; 76:97-9. [PMID: 26067420 DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2014-033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the status of food and nutrition programming in community-based HIV organizations in Canada. METHODS A telephone survey was administered to 80 community-based HIV organizations asking about characteristics of food and nutrition programs and the perceived program gaps. RESULTS The majority of organizations had programs directed at improving food access through meals, food banks, community kitchens or cooking classes, food vouchers, gardens, and street vans. Almost half of the organizations (n = 39) provided nutrition counselling by a registered dietitian or nurse, and the majority also provided referrals to other food and nutrition services in the community. Most organizations would like to have more food-related programming, including: more frequent provision of nutritious and fresh food options, methods to make better use of available food, transportation and grocery vouchers, more staff dedicated to food programs, and improved food preparation and storage infrastructure. CONCLUSION Although community-based HIV organizations provide a range of food and nutrition programs, they face challenges due to inadequate resources. Decision makers should provide more funding for these programs; however, they must be augmented with other supports such as adequate housing, income, and addiction counselling. Dietitians can help organizations maximize the impact of their limited resources and can advocate for systemic changes to enhance determinants of health for people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Slater
- a Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
| | - Zeeshan Qadar
- a Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
| | - Jennifer Bewza
- a Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
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Collins PA, Power EM, Little MH. Municipal-level responses to household food insecurity in Canada: a call for critical, evaluative research. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2014; 105:e138-41. [PMID: 24886850 DOI: 10.17269/cjph.105.4224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Household food insecurity (HFI) is a persistent public health problem affecting 3.8 million Canadians. While the causes of HFI are rooted in income insecurity, solutions to HFI have been primarily food-based, with the bulk of activity occurring at the municipal level across Canada. We conceptualize these municipal-level actions as falling within three models: "charitable", "household improvements and supports" and "community food systems". Many initiatives, especially non-charitable ones, generate widespread support, as they aim to increase participants' food security using an empowering and dignified approach. While these initiatives may offer some benefits to their participants, preliminary research suggests that any food-based solution to an income-based problem will have limited reach to food-insecure households and limited impact on participants' experience of HFI. We suspect that widespread support for the local-level food-based approach to HFI has impeded critical judgement of the true potential of these activities to reduce HFI. As these initiatives grow in number across Canada, we are in urgent need of comprehensive and comparative research to evaluate their impact on HFI and to ensure that municipal-level action on HFI is evidence-based.
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Loopstra R, Tarasuk V. What Does Increasing Severity of Food Insecurity Indicate for Food Insecure Families? Relationships Between Severity of Food Insecurity and Indicators of Material Hardship and Constrained Food Purchasing. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2013.817960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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