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Taniey R, Leyden L. Feeding hungry students: College students' experiences using food pantries and successful strategies for implementing on-campus food assistance programs. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:1925-1940. [PMID: 35881810 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2098031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the components of successful food assistance programs for college students. PARTICIPANTS Focus groups conducted during the fall 2019 semester included undergraduate students who accessed a food assistance program on campus (n = 26). Key informant interviews were conducted with professionals working with campus-based food assistance programs (n = 5). METHODS Student insight regarding experiences on campus-based food assistance programs was gathered. Key informant interviews were conducted to gain an understanding of strategies put in place to alleviate food insecurity among college students. RESULTS Emerging focus group themes included financial stressors, eating strategies, struggling to feed dependents, utilization of university-based food assistance programs, and SNAP enrollment. Key informant interviews revealed six strategies of effective food assistance programs: increasing access, securing funding, procurement/distribution of healthy foods, partnerships, outreach, and decreasing stigmatization. CONCLUSIONS A "mission driven" approach has the potential to meet the complex needs of food insecure college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Taniey
- Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Manhattan, United States
| | - Laureen Leyden
- Department of Environmental, Occupational, and Geospatial Health Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Manhattan, United States
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McNeely A, Borchers L, Szeszulski J, Eicher-Miller HA, Seguin-Fowler RA, MacMillan Uribe A. The role of the community café in addressing food security: Perceptions of managers and directors. Appetite 2024; 196:107274. [PMID: 38364971 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107274] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
In the United States, the pay-what-you-can restaurant model (community cafes) is an increasingly popular approach to addressing food insecurity in local communities. We conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 13) with community café executive managers and directors to assess their perceptions of the role that their cafes play in addressing food security (FS). Analysis of interviews revealed two major areas of emphasis by participants. Filling an unoccupied space in the food security landscape. Interviewees regularly cited the goal of making meals available through a dependable schedule, convenient location, and welcoming atmosphere for guests to promote regular visits to the café, and they did so with an awareness of how their practices were shaped by perceived shortcomings in comparable services. In addition, guest agency and social aspects of the café as components of utilization, was another major area. Interviewees often regarded the opportunity of the food insecure guest to choose healthy options (i.e., nutritionally dense) over less healthful ones (i.e., calorically dense) from the menu as a critical component of their service. The social component of the café (e.g., community atmosphere, 'dining-out' experience) was another aspect of the café's function that promoted dignity for the guest which can lead to greater likelihood of return visits. Perceptions shared by participants of the café's role in addressing food security suggest that rather than simply adding to the available options of hunger relief services, the café model attempts to address many areas of concern, such as structural and cultural barriers, found in the traditional forms of charitable food provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McNeely
- Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife Dallas Research Center, 17360 Coit Rd., Dallas, TX, 75252, USA
| | - Lori Borchers
- Texas Christian University Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Annie Richardson Bass Building 2101, 2800 W Bowie St, Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
| | - Jacob Szeszulski
- Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife Dallas Research Center, 17360 Coit Rd., Dallas, TX, 75252, USA
| | - Heather A Eicher-Miller
- Purdue University, Department of Nutrition Science, 700 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Rebecca A Seguin-Fowler
- Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture, Texas A&M University, 500 Research Parkway Centeq Building B, Suite 270, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - Alexandra MacMillan Uribe
- Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife Dallas Research Center, 17360 Coit Rd., Dallas, TX, 75252, USA.
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Gibson S, Metcalfe JJ, McCaffrey J, Allison T, Prescott MP. Nutrition Environment at Food Pantries Improves After Fresh Produce Donation Program. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 54:432-441. [PMID: 35534101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of the Growing Together Illinois fresh produce donation program and understand factors that affect produce distribution at participating food pantries. METHODS In this intervention at 17 Illinois food pantries, Master Gardeners supported food donation gardens, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education provided educational and environmental interventions to increase selection and use of fresh produce. This mixed-methods pre-post study assessed pantry characteristics and program impact via Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool evaluations, interview feedback from pantry staff, and structured pantry observations. RESULTS Pantries experienced significant increases from preintervention to postintervention in providing various types of produce, marketing and nudging healthful products, providing additional resources, and total Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool scores. Participants had positive feedback about the program and educational interventions and reported the weekly timing of donations mitigated potential storage and spoilage issues. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Future research could focus on approaches to increase fresh produce in food pantries while supporting clients via nutrition and cooking education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Starr'Retiece Gibson
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Jessica Jarick Metcalfe
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Jennifer McCaffrey
- Office of Extension and Outreach, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Trinity Allison
- Office of Extension and Outreach, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Melissa Pflugh Prescott
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL.
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Long CR, Bailey MM, Cascante D, Purvis R, Rowland B, Faitak B, Gittelsohn J, Caspi CE, English ES, McElfish PA. Food Pantry Clients' Needs, Preferences, and Recommendations for Food Pantries: A Qualitative Study. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2022; 18:245-260. [PMID: 37065860 PMCID: PMC10103899 DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2022.2058334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A qualitative formative approach was used to explore food pantry clients' needs, preferences, and recommendations regarding food received from food pantries. Fifty adult clients of six Arkansas food pantries were interviewed in English, Spanish, or Marshallese. Data analysis used the constant comparative qualitative methodology. In choice and minimal choice pantries, three themes emerged: clients need increased quantities of food, particularly more proteins and dairy; clients desire higher quality food, including healthy food and food not close to expiration; and clients desire familiar foods and food appropriate for their health needs. System level policy changes are needed to address clients' recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Long
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, 72703-5011 United States
| | - Mary M Bailey
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Office of Community Health and Research, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, 72703-5011 United States
| | - Diana Cascante
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Office of Community Health and Research, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, 72703-5011 United States
| | - Rachel Purvis
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, 72703-5011 United States
| | - Brett Rowland
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Office of Community Health and Research, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, 72703-5011 United States
| | - Bonnie Faitak
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Office of Community Health and Research, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, 72703-5011 United States
| | - Joel Gittelsohn
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, 21205-2103 United States
| | - Caitlin E Caspi
- University of Connecticut, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, 1 Constitution Plaza, Storrs, 06269 United States
| | - Emily S English
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, 72703-5011 United States
| | - Pearl A McElfish
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, 72703-5011 United States
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The acorn squash problem: a digestible conceptualisation of barriers to emergency food assistance. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:1045-1049. [PMID: 34530951 PMCID: PMC9991550 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021003748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In common narratives of emergency food assistance, donors likely believe their efforts directly manifest as people consuming their donated food. For example, a person donating canned lima beans during a canned food drive may visualise someone eventually eating those lima beans. However, cultural and socio-economic barriers often exist that prevent people from accessing and consuming the donated food. These barriers are often complex and otherwise well-intentioned donors, volunteers and organisations may not initially consider them. METHOD This commentary article, which draws from existing US emergency food systems literature, uses the imagery of an acorn squash one might find at a US food pantry to conceptualise these barriers in a straightforward way. RESULTS Examining emergency food assistance through the lens of the acorn squash problem can help donors, volunteers and organisations better connect with food-insecure people. The lens of the acorn squash problem also allows for deeper critiques of some practices of emergency food systems.
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Explorations of Young People’s Sense of Place Using Urban Design Qualities in Surabaya, Indonesia. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14010472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to assess a sense of place in the context of an Indonesian city through real-time walking experience. With rapid urban development, the cityscape may change, leading to a lack of a sense of place. Here, the sense of place was measured by utilizing individual reactions to different urban design qualities and perceptual qualities during walking. Previous methods on visitors’ evaluation of places, walking experience and photographing, were adapted by adding two more stages: in-depth interviews and a workshop, obtaining participants’ opinions and behaviours. The analysis results showed that the participants experienced the sense of place through physical and non-physical features corresponding to walking speed. While the old buildings and ornament details attracted participants’ attention, this study demonstrated that the two-way interaction with residents also strengthened the sense of place. The major finding was that the participants were concerned about improving pedestrian infrastructure and the conservation of old buildings in the area. With the assistance of in-depth interviews and a workshop, participants’ perspectives were visually reflected in a comprehensive way. This study may be helpful for urban planners to manage the sense of place in historic city centres under the pressure of rapid urban development.
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Walker RJ, Walker RE, Mosley-Johnson E, Egede LE. Insights about interventions to address food insecurity in adults with type 2 diabetes: Valuable lessons from the stories of African Americans living in the inner city. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:2785-2790. [PMID: 33838940 PMCID: PMC8481339 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This qualitative study aimed to gain insight from the perspectives of food insecure African Americans living in an inner city regarding important diabetes intervention strategies and components. METHODS Using a grounded theory approach, two focus groups (totaling 16 individuals) were conducted in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Purposive, convenience sampling was used to identify food insecure adults with diabetes. Questions were asked using a moderator guide to explore challenges and barriers to managing diabetes within the context of food insecurity, and facilitators or resources that helped participants improve diabetes management. Questions were open ended and followed by probes asking for additional perspectives and personal experiences related to the overarching topic, and questions asking to clarify statements. RESULTS Overarching concepts and themes specific to possible interventions discussed during the focus groups included group education, peer support, access to community resources and programs, stress management, and faith-based programs as desired intervention outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Key findings from the current study show that inner-city African Americans with diabetes desire interventions that foster social and community support systems. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Given this insight, more robust and comprehensive interventions are needed to account for the multifaceted experience of food insecurity and diabetes within the inner-city environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah J Walker
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Renee E Walker
- Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Elise Mosley-Johnson
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Leonard E Egede
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.
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Nikolaus CJ, Kownacki C, Darvesh Z, McCaffrey J. Technical Assistance is Related to Improvements in the Food Pantry Consumer Nutrition Environment. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 53:742-750. [PMID: 34215516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess changes in food pantries' consumer nutrition environment (CNE) after the provision of technical assistance. DESIGN Pre-post study with 2 phases. SETTING Staff completed observational assessments using the Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool (NEFPAT) at food pantries in an initial pilot phase. Then, staff conducted NEFPAT observations at pantries in Illinois statewide. PARTICIPANTS In the pilot phase, 6 staff assessed 28 pantries. In the statewide phase, 35 staff assessed 119 pantries. INTERVENTION After completing an initial NEFPAT at each pantry, technical assistance was provided by staff to support changes in the pantries' CNE before another NEFPAT observation was completed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Changes in the CNE, as assessed with the NEFPAT, when comparing preassessment and postassessment. ANALYSIS Score differences were evaluated with paired t tests. RESULTS In the pilot phase, among 23 pantries with preassessment and postassessment data, 2 objectives on the NEFPAT observation increased significantly. In the statewide phase, among 66 pantries with preassessment and postassessment data, most NEFPAT objectives and the overall NEFPAT score (22.12 ± 8.16 vs 28.20 ± 7.14, P < 0.001) significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Technical assistance provided by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education implementing staff were related to improvements in the CNE of food pantries in Illinois. Future work should evaluate the association of these CNE changes with changes in behavior among pantry patrons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra J Nikolaus
- Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Washington State University, Seattle, WA.
| | - Caitlin Kownacki
- Office of Extension and Outreach, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Zaheeda Darvesh
- The Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
| | - Jennifer McCaffrey
- Office of Extension and Outreach, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
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Kusumawardani A, Laksmono BS, Setyawati L, Soesilo TEB. A policy construction for sustainable rice food sovereignty in Indonesia. POTRAVINARSTVO 2021. [DOI: 10.5219/1533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As an agricultural country with large natural resources, Indonesia still has considerable problems in managing food security. This is evidenced by the lack of agricultural land and human resources that can support people's food needs so that the government still imports food from other countries. These issues as; it are feared that population growth and high food consumption power, social exclusion (marginalization of agricultural laborers and agricultural land) will cause food security vulnerability in the future. This Mixed method quantitative and qualitative method by statistical and in-depth interview study involving 169 respondents from many stakeholders such as politicians, academicians, farmers, and students to determine policy construction for sustainable rice food sovereignty in Indonesia. The statistical study shows the rice consumption in Indonesia is correlated to education than the age and gender of the respondents. The study indicating problems such as; the welfare of farmers, the application of price limits for staple goods, and improving the quality of agriculture both natural resources, human resources and the provision of agricultural equipment assistance have not been resolved properly. To build food security, it should be balanced with the application of the concept of food sovereignty which is realized by aligning and maximizing competence between political resources, environmental resources capacity, and environmental diplomacy.
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Bigand TL, Dietz J, Gubitz HN, Wilson M. Barriers and Facilitators to Healthy Eating among Adult Food Bank Users. West J Nurs Res 2020; 43:660-667. [PMID: 33138737 DOI: 10.1177/0193945920969689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Healthy eating relates to improved health, yet adult food bank users report difficulty accessing healthy foods. Registered nurses can promote healthy eating for food bank recipients by understanding perceived obstacles and facilitators. Urban food bank users completed a survey, and qualitative content analysis was used to analyze four open-ended questions regarding perceptions of healthy eating. In total, 196 adults were included in analysis. Two main categories were identified as perceived facilitators and barriers to healthy eating. Themes from the facilitator category included internal resources and external resources. Themes from the barrier category were personal challenges and environmental issues. Healthy eating is a complex behavior that requires personal motivation, skills, and social/environmental supports to be successfully executed among food bank recipients. Nurses should advocate to leverage food bank resources for healthier eating by offering nurtition counseling at events, optimizing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and decreasing unhealthy food options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa L Bigand
- College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA.,Professional Nursing Development Office, Providence Health Care, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Jeremy Dietz
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine London, England, UK
| | - Hannah N Gubitz
- College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Marian Wilson
- College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
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