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Briggs R, Rowden H, Lagojda L, Robbins T, Randeva HS. The lived experience of food insecurity among adults with obesity: a quantitative and qualitative systematic review. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024; 46:230-249. [PMID: 38409966 PMCID: PMC11141780 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae016] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity and obesity are increasing both globally and in the UK. In this review we systematically assess the lived experiences of people with obesity who are food insecure and often turn to food banks. METHODS We systematically searched electronic databases from January 2007 until October 2022. Data from eligible studies were extracted and the studies assessed for quality. Thematic analysis and narrative synthesis approach was used to analyse the extracted data. RESULTS Six themes were identified among 25 included studies, including: the financial cost of food; psychological aspects related to food insecurity; geographical access and the food environment; food practices in the home; experience of food assistance; and parental-child relationships. The cost of healthy food and psychological factors were identified as key driving factors of the relationship between food insecurity and obesity. Psychological factors such as depression, low self-esteem and stress played an important part in the lived experience of people with obesity and food insecurity. CONCLUSION The food environment provides context in which food decisions are made, therefore, systems change is necessary to ensure families can afford the food that enables a healthy diet. For clinicians, identification, and attention to the impact of food insecurity on people with obesity are important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Briggs
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Hope Rowden
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Lukasz Lagojda
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Clinical Evidence-Based Information Service (CEBIS), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Timothy Robbins
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Harpal S Randeva
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
- Institute of Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
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Loopstra R, Lambie-Mumford H. Food banks: Understanding their role in the food insecure population in the UK. Proc Nutr Soc 2023; 82:253-263. [PMID: 36999354 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665123002720] [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] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The present paper reviews the growing body of literature on food insecurity and food bank use in the UK. It provides an overview of food insecurity in this context, followed by a description of the emergence of food banks, highlighting how any role that food banks play in the food insecure population is limited. Data on food insecurity and food bank use suggest many people experiencing food insecurity do not receive help from food banks. To better understand the factors influencing the relationship between food insecurity and food bank use, a conceptual framework is outlined, suggesting the relationship is far from straightforward and contingent on many factors. The nature and availability of food banks and other local support services and individual-level factors influence the likelihood of food banks being used in the context of food insecurity. Then, the extent to which food banks can impact food insecurity is also dependent on the quantity and quality of food distributed, as well as other support services offered from food banks. Closing reflections highlight rising living costs and food banks reporting that they do not have capacity to cope with increasing demand, underscoring the need for policy interventions. Reliance on food banks to respond to food insecurity may ultimately impede formulation of effective policy interventions to reduce food insecurity, giving the illusion of widespread available support, whilst food insecurity persists among those receiving help from food banks and those who experience food insecurity but do not use food banks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Loopstra
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Demie TG, Gessese GT. Household food insecurity and hunger status in Debre Berhan town, Central Ethiopia: Community-based cross-sectional study. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1035591. [PMID: 37006924 PMCID: PMC10060621 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1035591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Food security occurs when all people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that fits their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life at all times. There is limited evidence on this topic and not well studied in Ethiopia. Objective This study aimed to investigate food insecurity and hunger status among households (HHs) in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken from 1 January 2017 to 30 January 2017. A simple random sampling technique was used to enroll 395 HHs for the study. An interviewer-administered, structured, and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data through a face-to-face interview. The household food security and hunger status were assessed by using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and the Household Hunger Scale, respectively. Data were entered and cleaned using Epiata 3.1 and exported to SPSS software version 20 for statistical analysis. Logistic regression was fitted, and an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a value of p of less than 0.05 were used to identify factors associated with food insecurity. Results A total of 377 HHs participated in the study with a response rate of 95.4%. The proportion of households with food insecurity was 32.4%, among which mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity accounted for 10.3, 18.8, and 3.2%, respectively. The mean score of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale was 1.88 ± 3.5. Hunger occurred among 3.2% of households. The mean score of the Household Hunger Scale was 2.17 ± 1.03. Husband or male cohabitant's occupation (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.31-5.48) and wife or female cohabitant's literacy (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI: 1.01- 9.55) were the only factors associated with HH food insecurity. Conclusion HH food insecurity and hunger in Debre Berhan town were unacceptably high, which can hamper achieving national targets for food security, nutrition, and health. Intensified efforts are further needed to accelerate the decline in food insecurity and hunger prevalence. Therefore, interventions need to target self-employed merchants in small businesses and women who are uneducated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takele Gezahegn Demie
- School of Public Health, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Debre Birhan University, Debre Berhan, Amhara, Ethiopia
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Smith DM, Rixson L, Grove G, Ziauddeen N, Vassilev I, Taheem R, Roderick P, Alwan NA. Household food insecurity risk indices for English neighbourhoods: Measures to support local policy decisions. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267260. [PMID: 36490256 PMCID: PMC9733884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In England, the responsibility to address food insecurity lies with local government, yet the prevalence of this social inequality is unknown in small subnational areas. In 2018 an index of small-area household food insecurity risk was developed and utilised by public and third sector organisations to target interventions; this measure needed updating to better support decisions in different settings, such as urban and rural areas where pressures on food security differ. METHODS We held interviews with stakeholders (n = 14) and completed a scoping review to identify appropriate variables to create an updated risk measure. We then sourced a range of open access secondary data to develop an indices of food insecurity risk in English neighbourhoods. Following a process of data transformation and normalisation, we tested combinations of variables and identified the most appropriate data to reflect household food insecurity risk in urban and rural areas. RESULTS Eight variables, reflecting both household circumstances and local service availability, were separated into two domains with equal weighting for a new index, the Complex Index, and a subset of these to make up the Simple Index. Within the Complex Index, the Compositional Domain includes population characteristics while the Structural Domain reflects small area access to resources such as grocery stores. The Compositional Domain correlated well with free school meal eligibility (rs = 0.705) and prevalence of childhood obesity (rs = 0.641). This domain was the preferred measure for use in most areas when shared with stakeholders, and when assessed alongside other configurations of the variables. Areas of highest risk were most often located in the North of England. CONCLUSION We recommend the use of the Compositional Domain for all areas, with inclusion of the Structural Domain in rural areas where locational disadvantage makes it more difficult to access resources. These measures can aid local policy makers and planners when allocating resources and interventions to support households who may experience food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianna M. Smith
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Rixson
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Grace Grove
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Nida Ziauddeen
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ivaylo Vassilev
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ravita Taheem
- Southampton City Council, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Roderick
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Nisreen A. Alwan
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Hutton NS, McLeod G, Allen TR, Davis C, Garnand A, Richter H, Chavan PP, Hoglund L, Comess J, Herman M, Martin B, Romero C. Participatory mapping to address neighborhood level data deficiencies for food security assessment in Southeastern Virginia, USA. Int J Health Geogr 2022; 21:17. [PMCID: PMC9640904 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-022-00314-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Food is not equitably available. Deficiencies and generalizations limit national datasets, food security assessments, and interventions. Additional neighborhood level studies are needed to develop a scalable and transferable process to complement national and internationally comparative data sets with timely, granular, nuanced data. Participatory geographic information systems (PGIS) offer a means to address these issues by digitizing local knowledge.
Methods
The objectives of this study were two-fold: (i) identify granular locations missing from food source and risk datasets and (ii) examine the relation between the spatial, socio-economic, and agency contributors to food security. Twenty-nine subject matter experts from three cities in Southeastern Virginia with backgrounds in food distribution, nutrition management, human services, and associated research engaged in a participatory mapping process.
Results
Results show that publicly available and other national datasets are not inclusive of non-traditional food sources or updated frequently enough to reflect changes associated with closures, expansion, or new programs. Almost 6 percent of food sources were missing from publicly available and national datasets. Food pantries, community gardens and fridges, farmers markets, child and adult care programs, and meals served in community centers and homeless shelters were not well represented. Over 24 km2 of participant identified need was outside United States Department of Agriculture low income, low access areas. Economic, physical, and social barriers to food security were interconnected with transportation limitations. Recommendations address an international call from development agencies, countries, and world regions for intervention methods that include systemic and generational issues with poverty, incorporate non-traditional spaces into food distribution systems, incentivize or regulate healthy food options in stores, improve educational opportunities, increase data sharing.
Conclusions
Leveraging city and regional agency as appropriate to capitalize upon synergistic activities was seen as critical to achieve these goals, particularly for non-traditional partnership building. To address neighborhood scale food security needs in Southeastern Virginia, data collection and assessment should address both environment and utilization issues from consumer and producer perspectives including availability, proximity, accessibility, awareness, affordability, cooking capacity, and preference. The PGIS process utilized to facilitate information sharing about neighborhood level contributors to food insecurity and translate those contributors to intervention strategies through discussion with local subject matter experts and contextualization within larger scale food systems dynamics is transferable.
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Sharareh N, Wallace AS, Brintz BJ, Wan N, Guo JW, Wong B. Associated factors with patient-reported unmet food needs among emergency department adult patients - A social need perspective. Prev Med Rep 2022; 29:101974. [PMID: 36161133 PMCID: PMC9502286 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity is a complex problem affected by a number of factors from individual to societal. While individual-level demographic information and population-level social determinants of health (SDoH) are commonly used to identify patients at risk of food insecurity and to direct resources, a more comprehensive understanding of food insecurity requires integrating multi-level data. Our goal is to identify factors associated with food insecurity using patient, health system, and population level data. Between January 2019 and April 2020, we screened adult patients visiting an academic health sciences emergency department in Utah using a 10-item social needs screener. Patients' demographic data were linked to their screener responses. ZIP Code-level food-related SDoH such as accessibility to food providers, measured by geographic information systems methods, were assigned to patients. We then applied multilevel logistic regression modeling to identify factors associated with unmet food needs at two different levels-individual and ZIP Code. Unmet food needs were identified by asking patients if they felt there was not enough money for food in the last month, which grossly represents food insecurity. On a sample of 2,290 patients, 21.61% reported unmet food needs. Patient-reported housing, medical care, and utility needs along with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation and primary care provider utilization were highly associated with unmet food needs. Our efforts to identify the population at risk of food insecurity should be centered around patient-reported social needs. Our results suggest that addressing food insecurity in health care settings should include assessing social needs in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Sharareh
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Andrea S Wallace
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,College of Nursing, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ben J Brintz
- Internal Medicine, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Neng Wan
- Geography Department, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jia-Wen Guo
- College of Nursing, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bob Wong
- College of Nursing, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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7
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Thompson C, Hamilton L, Dickinson A, Fallaize R, Mathie E, Rogers S, Wills W. Changes to household food shopping practices during the COVID-19 restrictions: Evidence from the East of England. Health Place 2022; 78:102906. [PMID: 36108358 PMCID: PMC9444888 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Measures to control the spread of COVID-19 have changed the way we shop for food and interact with food environments. This qualitative study explored food shopping practices in the East of England, a large diverse region including coastal, urban and rural settings. In 2020/2021 we interviewed 38 people living in the region and 27 professionals and volunteers providing local support around dietary health. Participants reported disruption to supermarket shopping routines; moving to online shopping; and increased reliance on local stores. COVID-19 has impacted disproportionately upon lower-income households and neighbourhoods. The longer-term implications for dietary health inequalities must be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Thompson
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK.
| | - Laura Hamilton
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Angela Dickinson
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Rosalind Fallaize
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Elspeth Mathie
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Samantha Rogers
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Wendy Wills
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
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Okpala E, Manning L, Baines R. Socio-Economic Drivers of Poverty and Food Insecurity: Nigeria a Case Study. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2021.2012793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E.F Okpala
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Royal Agricultural University, Gloucestershire, UK
| | - L. Manning
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Royal Agricultural University, Gloucestershire, UK
| | - R.N Baines
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Royal Agricultural University, Gloucestershire, UK
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Loibl C, Bruine de Bruin W, Summers B, McNair S, Verhallen P. Which financial stressors are linked to food insecurity among older adults in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands? An exploratory study. Food Secur 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12571-021-01206-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Dietary health in the context of poverty and uncertainty around the social determinants of health. Proc Nutr Soc 2021; 81:134-140. [PMID: 34602117 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665121003657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Lower household income has been consistently associated with poorer diet quality and poorer dietary health outcomes. Households experiencing poverty find themselves unable to afford enough food, and the food that they can afford is often poor quality, energy dense and low in nutrients. However, the relationship between diet, poverty and health is complex. Not everyone on a low income has a poor diet. Poverty is about more than low incomes and it is not a uniform experience. Particular aspects of the experience of poverty have implications for diet and dietary health. It is increasingly apparent that uncertainty is one of those aspects. Recession, welfare policy, employment trends and widening inequality have created more uncertainty for those on low incomes. In the context of heightened uncertainty, all aspects of household food provisioning - including budgeting, shopping, storage, meal planning and cooking - are more difficult and sometimes impossible. This review will draw on research about food practices and dietary health in low-income neighbourhoods to explore the ways in which experiences of prolonged uncertainty shape dietary practices and impact health and well-being.
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Natasha, Dumat C, Shahid M, Khalid S, Murtaza B. Lead Pollution and Human Exposure: Forewarned is Forearmed, and the Question Now Becomes How to Respond to the Threat! RADIONUCLIDES AND HEAVY METALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21638-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Loopstra R, Lambie-Mumford H, Fledderjohann J. Food bank operational characteristics and rates of food bank use across Britain. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:561. [PMID: 31088456 PMCID: PMC6518699 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6951-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Food banks are a common community-based response to household food insecurity in high-income countries. While the profile of their users and nature of the quality of food they provide have been researched, few studies have examined their operational characteristics to explore the accessibility of their services for people at risk of food insecurity. This study describes the nature of operations in a food bank network operating in Britain and explores how operations are associated with volume of use. Methods Data from The Trussell Trust Foodbank’s network of 1145 distribution centres in 2015/16 on hours of operation, locations, and usage were combined with national statistics on Working Tax Credit claimants, disability and unemployment. Descriptive statistics focused on how often and when food banks were open within local authorities. The relationships between operational characteristics and volume of use were examined using regression analyses. Interaction terms tested how relationships between indicators of need with food bank usage changed with operational characteristics. Results Weekday operating hours were primarily between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., but at any given hour no more than 20% of distribution centres were open, with fewer than 3% open after 4 pm. Where food banks had fewer distribution centres and operating hours, the volume of food bank usage was lower. In-work poverty, disability, and unemployment rates were all associated with higher volume of usage; however, the relationship between disability and food bank use was modified by the density of food banks and number of operating hours. Where food banks were less accessible, the relationship between disability and food bank use was diminished. Conclusions These findings suggest operational characteristics are an important part of access to food banks and raise questions about the ability of food banks to meet the needs of people at risk of food insecurity in Britain. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-6951-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Loopstra
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, Franklin-Wilkins Building, London, SE1 9NH, UK.
| | - Hannah Lambie-Mumford
- Sheffield Political Economy Research Institute (SPERI), Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Sheffield, ICoSS Portobello, Sheffield, S1 4DP, UK
| | - Jasmine Fledderjohann
- Department of Sociology, Lancaster University, Bowland North, Lancaster, LA1 4YN, UK
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Thompson C, Smith D, Cummins S. Food banking and emergency food aid: expanding the definition of local food environments and systems. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2019; 16:2. [PMID: 30616636 PMCID: PMC6322256 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-018-0765-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
If current trends in food insecurity continue then the diets of low-income people may become characterised by the inclusion of significant amounts of donated and surplus food accessed via the third-sector. These developments have yet to be integrated into macro models and concepts of the food environment. Addressing this caveat is necessary in order to both help build an evidence base to challenge policies that exacerbate the drivers of food insecurity and to inform interventions aimed at improving the diets of disadvantaged populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Thompson
- Department of Public Health, Environment and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.
| | - Dianna Smith
- Department of Geography and Environment, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Steven Cummins
- Department of Public Health, Environment and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
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Understanding the health and wellbeing challenges of the food banking system: A qualitative study of food bank users, providers and referrers in London. Soc Sci Med 2018; 211:95-101. [PMID: 29933211 PMCID: PMC6079189 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
In the UK, food poverty has been associated with conditions such as obesity, malnutrition, hypertension, iron deficiency, and impaired liver function. Food banks, the primary response to food poverty on the ground, typically rely on community referral and distribution systems that involve health and social care professionals and local authority public health teams. The perspectives of these key stakeholders remain underexplored. This paper reports on a qualitative study of the health and wellbeing challenges of food poverty and food banking in London. An ethnographic investigation of food bank staff and users was carried out alongside a series of healthcare stakeholder interviews. A total of 42 participants were interviewed. A Critical Grounded Theory (CGT) analysis revealed that contemporary lived experiences of food poverty are embedded within and symptomatic of extreme marginalisation, which in turn impacts upon health. Specifically, food poverty was conceptualised by participants to: firstly, be a barrier to providing adequate care and nutrition for young children; secondly, be exacerbated by lack of access to adequate fresh food, food storage and cooking facilities; and thirdly, amplify existing health and social problems. Further investigation of the local government structures and professional roles that both rely upon and serve to further embed the food banking system is necessary in order to understand the politics of changing welfare landscapes. Food poverty both exacerbates existing health problems and cause new ones. Healthcare professionals prioritise different concerns than food bank users. Material deprivation amplifies food poverty via lack of household food facilities.
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