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Sanchez S, Zuelch M, Funderburk K. Reimagining the Role of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Food Pantry Sites and Settings. J Acad Nutr Diet 2024:S2212-2672(24)00247-8. [PMID: 38763463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Sanchez
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.
| | - Michelle Zuelch
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Katie Funderburk
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
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Smith JR, Martini A, Gibney PA. Utilizing functional genomics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to characterize food preservative compounds: A pilot study. J Food Sci 2024; 89:1196-1210. [PMID: 38224173 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.16906] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Chemical preservatives are ubiquitously used to suppress the growth of or kill microorganisms across numerous industries, including the food industry. Utilizing yeast functional genomic techniques, genes and their functions can be observed at a genomic scale to elucidate how environmental stressors (e.g., chemical preservatives) impact microbial survival. These types of chemical genomics approaches can reveal genetic mutations that result in preservative resistance or sensitivity, assist in identification of preservative mechanism of action, and can be used to compare different preservatives for rational design of preservative mixtures. In this proof-of-concept study, we performed deletion and high-copy genetic expression screens to identify mutants that confer drug resistance to sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, rosemary extract, and Natamax. By observing overlapping mutant genes between genetic screens, we were able to identify functional overlap between chemical preservatives and begin to explain mechanisms of action for these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy R Smith
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Austin Martini
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Patrick A Gibney
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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Morales L, Yowell L, Molina T, Smith C, Arizcuren J, McClain AC. Across-Agency Partnerships and Within-Agency Capacities Facilitate Holistic, Tailored Approaches to Addressing Food Insecurity: A Qualitative Study. J Acad Nutr Diet 2023; 123:1749-1762.e2. [PMID: 37516352 PMCID: PMC10817997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2023.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Capacity-oriented approaches have the potential to reduce food insecurity (FI) and promote nutrition and health equity in low-resource settings. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify multilevel capacities in San Diego County, CA that key informants from diverse food- and nutrition-related stakeholder agencies perceived to be helping to address FI. DESIGN Trained qualitative interviewers conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews (30-60 minutes) with key informants. The Socioecological Model and a capacity-oriented approach informed interview guides. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING Participants were key informants (n = 23) from diverse purposively sampled stakeholder agencies (n = 16) providing food or nutrition services and programs across San Diego County. Interviews were conducted between April 2019 and December 2021. ANALYSES PERFORMED Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and checked for accuracy. The research team conducted thematic content analysis to identify themes. RESULTS Two interrelated themes, within-agency capacities and across-agency partnerships, collectively appeared to influence each individual agency's ability to provide tailored, holistic care to their clients and, thus, expand each agency's reach and impact to address the 4 domains of food security (ie, quantity, quality, psychological, and social). Multilevel (ie, individual, interpersonal, organizational, and macro) within-agency human, social, and cultural capital (eg, volunteers, staff-client relationships, and cultural competency) positively influenced the reach and impact of the individual agencies by enabling them to provide clients with personalized, holistic care. Alongside within-agency capacities, multilevel (ie, interpersonal, organizational, community, and macro levels) across-agency partnerships allowed individual agencies to address FI more effectively and holistically by connecting clients to other services (eg, housing and mental health) related to the circumstances of FI. CONCLUSIONS In San Diego County, multilevel capacities in the form of within-agency capacities and across-agency partnerships collectively influenced the effectiveness of stakeholder agencies in addressing the 4 domains of FI among at-risk households. Future research should consider how to evaluate the impact of these existing capacities on FI.
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Joseph CA, Seguin ML. "Something Fun to Look Forward to": Lessons From Implementing the Prescription for Health Farmers' Market Initiative in Rural Upper Michigan. Health Promot Pract 2023; 24:903-910. [PMID: 35713177 DOI: 10.1177/15248399221093966] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fruit and vegetable (FV) prescription programs are an increasingly popular community-based approach to addressing food insecurity and improving nutrition by connecting local health care and food systems. The Prescription for Health farmers' market FV prescription program was piloted in a rural, low-access low-income Michigan community in 2017. The program enrolled 33 adult participants with chronic disease and provided weekly farmers' market FV vouchers, educational nutrition handouts, and seasonal healthy recipes over 10 weeks. Weight, blood pressure, and the following self-rated variables were assessed pre- and post program: dietary habits, food literacy, physical health, and mental health. While most metrics remained generally unchanged, one of the strongest findings from our data included significant improvement in quality of life. Increased social interaction as a result of the attending the farmers' market was a prominent theme from informal open-ended participant feedback. Given the ongoing public health crisis of loneliness and social isolation, this finding led us to consider the farmers' market as an avenue for creating opportunities for meaningful social connection among participants and farmers. To this end, we discuss health outcomes of the Prescription for Health pilot program, reflect on unique aspects of implementing this program in a rural area, and explore future opportunities for farmers' market prescription programs as an innovative form of nature-based social prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly A Joseph
- Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
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5
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Nguyen CJ, Kownacki C, Skaradzinski V, Streitmatter K, Acevedo S, Ericson SD, Hager JE, McCaffrey J. Development and evaluation of the Food Bank Health and Nutrition Assessment. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:1-10. [PMID: 36710006 PMCID: PMC10131141 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023000204] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Efforts to improve the nutritional quality and health promotion in the charitable food system have been undertaken. Though methods exist to track these efforts in terms of food banks' inventory, there are not research-tested tools to assess, monitor and influence policy, systems and environmental (PSE) changes. The study objective was to develop and evaluate a novel assessment tool that could be used to evaluate a food bank's efforts to improve the promotion of health and nutritious foods. DESIGN The study had five phases: (1) initial development; (2) iterative review and revisions; (3) pilot testing; (4) content validity assessment and (5) inter-rater and test-retest assessment. The Food Bank Health and Nutrition Assessment (FB-HANA) was drafted after reviewing existing policies, nutrition-focused charitable food systems guidance and similar tools for food pantries. SETTING Midwestern United States. PARTICIPANTS Eleven food banks. RESULTS Stakeholders and pilot testers provided initial feedback to refine the FB-HANA's flow, ease of completion and collection of contextual information. External experts rated the FB-HANA and each of the eight objectives as content valid. A set of two assessments completed by twenty-six community-based professionals, employed by Extension and fourteen food bank staff across eleven food banks, supported moderate to excellent inter-rater and test-retest reliability for the FB-HANA overall and each of its objectives. CONCLUSIONS Evidence suggests that the FB-HANA can be used by either food bank or community-based professionals, such as Extension staff, to provide a perspective on ways food banks promote health and nutrition through PSE approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin Kownacki
- Office of Extension and Outreach, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Veronica Skaradzinski
- Office of Extension and Outreach, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Streitmatter
- Office of Extension and Outreach, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Stephanie Acevedo
- Office of Extension and Outreach, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Jennifer McCaffrey
- Office of Extension and Outreach, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Varela EG, McVay MA, Shelnutt KP, Mobley AR. The Determinants of Food Insecurity Among Hispanic/Latinx Households With Young Children: A Narrative Review. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:190-210. [PMID: 36811589 PMCID: PMC10103006 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity has disproportionately impacted Hispanic/Latinx households in the United States, specifically those with young children. Although the literature provides evidence of an association between food insecurity and adverse health outcomes in young children, minimal research has addressed the social determinants and related risk factors associated with food insecurity among Hispanic/Latinx households with children under three, a highly vulnerable population. Using the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) as a framework, this narrative review identified factors associated with food insecurity among Hispanic/Latinx households with children under three. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and four additional search engines. Inclusion criteria consisted of articles published in English from November 1996 to May 2022 that examined food insecurity among Hispanic/Latinx households with children under three. Articles were excluded if conducted in settings other than the US and/or focused on refugees and temporary migrant workers. Data were extracted (i.e., objective, setting, population, study design, measures of food insecurity, results) from the final articles (n = 27). The strength of each article's evidence was also evaluated. Results identified individual factors (i.e., intergenerational poverty, education, acculturation, language, etc.), interpersonal factors (i.e., household composition, social support, cultural customs), organizational factors (i.e., interagency collaboration, organizational rules), community factors (i.e., food environment, stigma, etc.), and public policy/societal factors (i.e., nutrition assistance programs, benefit cliffs, etc.) associated with a food security status of this population. Overall, most articles were classified as "medium" or higher quality for the strength of evidence, and more frequently focused on individual or policy factors. Findings indicate the need for more research to include a focus on public policy/society factors, as well as on multiple levels of the SEM with considerations of how individual and policy levels intersect and to create or adapt nutrition-related and culturally appropriate interventions to improve food security of Hispanic/Latinx households with young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elder Garcia Varela
- Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Megan A McVay
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Karla P Shelnutt
- Department of Family, Youth & Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Amy R Mobley
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Varela EG, Zeldman J, Mobley AR. Community Stakeholders' Perceptions on Barriers and Facilitators to Food Security of Families with Children under Three Years before and during COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10642. [PMID: 36078356 PMCID: PMC9518144 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Children living in food-insecure households have poorer overall health than children in food-secure households. While U.S. nutrition assistance programs provide resources, these cannot consistently offer age-appropriate nutritional foods for young children. This study aimed to determine community stakeholders' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to obtaining adequate, high-quality, and age-appropriate foods for children ages 0-3 in Florida before and during COVID-19. Community stakeholders (n = 32) participated in a 60 min interview via Zoom using a semi-structured script based on the PRECEDE component of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded by two researchers using a thematic analysis approach. Stakeholders' perceptions revealed a lack of awareness surrounding eligibility for assistance programs, a lack of knowledge regarding how to obtain resources and services, and stigma associated with receiving benefits. These remained significant barriers to obtaining healthful foods for households with young children before and during COVID-19. Nonetheless, barriers were exacerbated during the pandemic. Unemployment rates rose, intensifying these households' financial hardships and food insecurity levels. Likewise, stakeholders suggested the need for families to become more aware of federal assistance eligibility requirements and available opportunities via social media and referrals. Identifying risk factors associated with food insecurity can inform future interventions to safeguard young children's health and well-being.
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Burke MP, Gleason S, Singh A, Wilkin MK. Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Strategies in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed). JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 54:320-326. [PMID: 35027308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To categorize and quantify how states planned to use policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change strategies in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed). METHODS Qualitative content analysis of SNAP-Ed annual plans from all 50 states, District of Columbia, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands between fiscal years 2014 and 2016. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2016, the percentage of states that included PSEs as a statewide goal increased from 25% to 47%, and the percentage that planned to implement at least 1 PSE increased from 56% to 98%. Among states that planned to implement PSEs in 2016, the 3 most common settings were places in which people learn (92%), live (90%), and work (83%). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The increased planned use of PSEs in SNAP-Ed was considerable and encouraging as PSEs are important to use in conjunction with direct education and social marketing to improve nutrition and prevent obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Burke
- Food and Nutrition Service, US Department of Agriculture, Alexandria, VA.
| | | | - Anita Singh
- Food and Nutrition Service, US Department of Agriculture, Alexandria, VA
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Jock BW, Maudrie T, Fleischhacker S, Porter KP, Gittelsohn J. Journey to Promoting Structural Change for Chronic Disease Prevention: Examining the Processes for Developing Policy, Systems, and Environmental Supports in Native American Nations. Curr Dev Nutr 2022; 6:nzab031. [PMID: 35310617 PMCID: PMC8923812 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Obesity and chronic disease rates continue to be disproportionally high among Native Americans (NAs) compared with the US general population. Policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes can address the root causes of these health inequalities by supporting access to healthy food and physical activity resources. Objective We aim to describe the actors and processes involved in developing PSE changes supporting obesity prevention in NA Nations. Methods As part of the Obesity Prevention Research and Evaluation of InterVention Effectiveness in NaTive North Americans 2 (OPREVENT2) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02803853), we collected 46 in-depth interviews, 1 modified Talking Circle, 2 workshops, and 14 observations in 3 NA communities in the Midwest and Southwest regions of the United States. Participants included Tribal government representatives/staff, health staff/board members, store managers/staff, and school administrators/staff. We used a Grounded Theory analysis protocol to develop themes and conceptual framework based on our data. Results Health staff members were influential in identifying and developing PSE changes when there was a strong relationship between the Tribal Council and health department leaders. We found that Tribal Council members looked to health staff for their expertise and were involved in the approval and endorsement of PSE changes. Tribal grant writers worked across departments to leverage existing initiatives, funding, and approvals to achieve PSE changes. Participants emphasized that community engagement was a necessary input for developing PSE changes, suggesting an important role for grassroots collaboration with community members and staff. Relevant contextual factors impacting the PSE change development included historical trauma, perspectives of policy, and "tribal politics". Conclusions This article is the first to produce a conceptual framework using 3 different NA communities, which is an important gap to be addressed if structural changes are to be explored and enacted to promote NA health. The journey to change for these NA Nations provides insights for promoting future PSE change among NA Nations and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Wenniserí:iostha Jock
- School of Human Nutrition, Centre for Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition and Environment (CINE), McGill University, St-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tara Maudrie
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Joel Gittelsohn
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Byker Shanks C, Calloway EE, Parks CA, Yaroch AL. Scaling up measurement to confront food insecurity in the USA. Transl Behav Med 2021; 10:1382-1389. [PMID: 33277900 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibaa112] [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: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is necessary to scale up measurement in order to confront the persisting problem of food insecurity in the United States (USA). The causes and consequences around food insecurity are briefly described in order to frame the complexity of the public health issue and demonstrate need for expanded measurement approaches. We assert that measurement of food security in the USA is currently based upon a core set of rigorous metrics and, moving forward, should also constitute a supplemental registry of measures to monitor and address variables that are associated with increased risk for food insecurity. Next, we depict dietary quality as a primary example of the power of measurement to make significant progress in our understanding and management of food insecurity. Finally, we discuss the translational implications in behavioral medicine required to make progress on achieving food security for all in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Byker Shanks
- Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | | | | - Amy L Yaroch
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, USA
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11
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Bleich SN, Moran AJ, Vercammen KA, Frelier JM, Dunn CG, Zhong A, Fleischhacker SE. Strengthening the Public Health Impacts of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Through Policy. Annu Rev Public Health 2021; 41:453-480. [PMID: 32237988 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040119-094143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the cornerstone of the US nutrition safety net. Each month, SNAP provides assistance to 40 million low-income Americans-nearly half of them children. A number of changes could strengthen the public health impacts of SNAP. This review first presents a framework describing the mechanisms through which SNAP policy can influence public health, particularly by affecting the food security, the diet quality, and, subsequently, the health of SNAP participants. We then discusspolicy opportunities with the greatest potential to strengthen the public health impacts of SNAP, organized into three areas: (a) food production and distribution, (b) benefit allocation, and (c) eligibility and enrollment. For each section, we describe current policy and limitations of the status quo, suggest evidence-based opportunities for policy change to improve public health, and identify important areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara N Bleich
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; , ,
| | - Alyssa J Moran
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA;
| | - Kelsey A Vercammen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
| | - Johannah M Frelier
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; , ,
| | - Caroline G Dunn
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; , ,
| | - Anthony Zhong
- Harvard College, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA;
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12
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Landry MJ, Phan K, McGuirt JT, Ostrander A, Ademu L, Seibold M, McCallops K, Tracy T, Fleischhacker SE, Karpyn A. USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Vendor Criteria: An Examination of US Administrative Agency Variations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073545. [PMID: 33805495 PMCID: PMC8037245 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The food retail environment has been directly linked to disparities in dietary behaviors and may in part explain racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related deaths. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, is associated with improved healthy food and beverage access due to its requirement for minimum stock of healthy foods and beverages in WIC-eligible stores. The selection and authorization criteria used to authorize WIC vendors varies widely from state to state with little known about the specific variations. This paper reviews and summarizes the differences across 16 of these criteria enacted by 89 WIC administrative agencies: the 50 states, the District of Columbia, five US Territories, and 33 Indian Tribal Organizations. Vendor selection and authorization criteria varied across WIC agencies without any consistent pattern. The wide variations in criteria and policies raise questions about the rational for inconsistency. Some of these variations, in combination, may result in reduced access to WIC-approved foods and beverages by WIC participants. For example, minimum square footage and/or number of cash register criteria may limit vendors to larger retail operations that are not typically located in high-risk, under-resourced communities where WIC vendors are most needed. Results highlight an opportunity to convene WIC stakeholders to review variations, their rationale, and implications thereof especially as this process could result in improved policies to ensure and improve healthy food and beverage access by WIC participants. More work remains to better understand the value of state WIC vendor authorization authority, particularly in states that have provided stronger monitoring requirements. This work might also examine if and how streamlining WIC vendor criteria (or at least certain components of them) across regional areas or across the country could provide an opportunity to advance interstate commerce and promote an equitable supply of food across the food system, while ensuring the protection for local, community-oriented WIC vendors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Landry
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Kim Phan
- Harvard College, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA;
| | - Jared T. McGuirt
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA;
| | - Alek Ostrander
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Lilian Ademu
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA;
| | - Mia Seibold
- Center for Research in Education & Social Policy, College of Education & Human Development, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (M.S.); (K.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Kathleen McCallops
- Center for Research in Education & Social Policy, College of Education & Human Development, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (M.S.); (K.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Tara Tracy
- Center for Research in Education & Social Policy, College of Education & Human Development, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (M.S.); (K.M.); (T.T.)
| | | | - Allison Karpyn
- Center for Research in Education & Social Policy, College of Education & Human Development, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (M.S.); (K.M.); (T.T.)
- Correspondence:
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Jilcott Pitts SB, Wu Q, Truesdale KP, Rafferty AP, Haynes-Maslow L, Boys KA, McGuirt JT, Fleischhacker S, Johnson N, Kaur AP, Bell RA, Ammerman AS, Laska MN. A four-year observational study to examine the dietary impact of the North Carolina Healthy Food Small Retailer Program, 2017-2020. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2021; 18:44. [PMID: 33761952 PMCID: PMC7990380 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01109-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The North Carolina (NC) Healthy Food Small Retailer Program (HFSRP) was passed into law with a $250,000 appropriation (2016-2018) providing up to $25,000 in funding to small food stores for equipment to stock healthier foods and beverages. This paper describes an observational natural experiment documenting the impact of the HFSRP on store food environments, customers' purchases and diets. METHODS Using store observations and intercept surveys from cross-sectional, convenience customer samples (1261 customers in 22 stores, 2017-2020; 499 customers in 7 HFSRP stores, and 762 customers in 15 Comparison stores), we examined differences between HFSRP and comparison stores regarding: (1) change in store-level availability, quality, and price of healthy foods/beverages; (2) change in healthfulness of observed food and beverage purchases ("bag checks"); and, (3) change in self-reported and objectively-measured (Veggie Meter®-assessed skin carotenoids) customer dietary behaviors. Differences (HFSRP vs. comparison stores) in store-level Healthy Food Supply (HFS) and Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores were assessed using repeated measure ANOVA. Intervention effects on diet were assessed using difference-in-difference models including propensity scores. RESULTS There were improvements in store-level supply of healthier foods/beverages within 1 year of program implementation (0 vs. 1-12 month HFS scores; p = 0.055) among HFSRP stores only. Comparing 2019 to 2017 (baseline), HFSRP stores' HFS increased, but decreased in comparison stores (p = 0.031). Findings indicated a borderline significant effect of the intervention on self-reported fruit and vegetable intake (servings/day), though in the opposite direction expected, such that fruit and vegetable intake increased more among comparison store than HFSRP store customers (p = 0.05). There was no significant change in Veggie Meter®-assessed fruit and vegetable intake by customers shopping at the intervention versus comparison stores. CONCLUSIONS Despite improvement in healthy food availability, there was a lack of apparent impact on dietary behaviors related to the HFSRP, which could be due to intervention dose or inadequate statistical power due to the serial cross-sectional study design. It may also be that individuals buy most of their food at larger stores; thus, small store interventions may have limited impact on overall eating patterns. Future healthy retail policies should consider how to increase intervention dose to include more product marketing, consumer messaging, and technical assistance for store owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B. Jilcott Pitts
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
| | - Kimberly P. Truesdale
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Healthy Weight Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55454 USA
| | - Ann P. Rafferty
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
| | - Lindsey Haynes-Maslow
- Department of Agricultural & Human Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 USA
| | - Kathryn A. Boys
- Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 USA
| | - Jared T. McGuirt
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, 27412 NC USA
| | | | - Nevin Johnson
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
| | - Archana P. Kaur
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
| | - Ronny A. Bell
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, 27157 USA
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
| | - Alice S. Ammerman
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Melissa N. Laska
- Healthy Weight Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55454 USA
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14
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Lane HG, Turner L, Dunn CG, Hager ER, Fleischhacker S. Leveraging Implementation Science in the Public Health Response to COVID-19 : Child Food Insecurity and Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs. Public Health Rep 2020; 135:728-736. [PMID: 33031712 PMCID: PMC7649993 DOI: 10.1177/0033354920959285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G. Lane
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lindsey Turner
- College of Education, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Caroline Glagola Dunn
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erin R. Hager
- Division of Growth and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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15
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Hingle MD, Shanks CB, Parks C, Prickitt J, Rhee KE, Wright J, Hiller-Venegas S, Yaroch AL. Examining Equitable Online Federal Food Assistance during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): A Case Study in 2 Regions. Curr Dev Nutr 2020; 4:nzaa154. [PMID: 33073163 PMCID: PMC7543249 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzaa154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food and financial assistance to food-insecure individuals and families. In the midst of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, SNAP benefits evolved. Policy changes and federal legislation expanded SNAP eligibility, raised benefit levels, and introduced program waivers that enabled online ordering to reduce participants' exposure to community-acquired SARS-CoV-2. Although rapid expansion of SNAP benefits in the online space represents significant progress for federal food assistance, changes also introduced unforeseen partiality in how benefits and services were accessed and utilized, as illustrated by 2 populations and regions in the early months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: low-income older adults in rural Alabama and low-income Hispanic adults in urban California. Opportunities exist to build on the recent progress in SNAP, while also ensuring continued inclusiveness of eligible persons. Efforts should be informed by evidence that supports equitable access to federal food assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie D Hingle
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Carmen Byker Shanks
- Department of Health and Human Development, Food and Health Lab, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | | - Joseph Prickitt
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Center for Community Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kyung E Rhee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jimmy Wright
- Wright's Markets, Wright2U.com, Wright Food Solutions , Opelika, AL, USA
| | - Sarah Hiller-Venegas
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amy L Yaroch
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, USA
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16
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Fleischhacker SE, Woteki CE, Coates PM, Hubbard VS, Flaherty GE, Glickman DR, Harkin TR, Kessler D, Li WW, Loscalzo J, Parekh A, Rowe S, Stover PJ, Tagtow A, Yun AJ, Mozaffarian D. Strengthening national nutrition research: rationale and options for a new coordinated federal research effort and authority. Am J Clin Nutr 2020; 112:721-769. [PMID: 32687145 PMCID: PMC7454258 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The US faces remarkable food and nutrition challenges. A new federal effort to strengthen and coordinate nutrition research could rapidly generate the evidence base needed to address these multiple national challenges. However, the relevant characteristics of such an effort have been uncertain. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to provide an objective, informative summary of 1) the mounting diet-related health burdens facing our nation and corresponding economic, health equity, national security, and sustainability implications; 2) the current federal nutrition research landscape and existing mechanisms for its coordination; 3) the opportunities for and potential impact of new fundamental, clinical, public health, food and agricultural, and translational scientific discoveries; and 4) the various options for further strengthening and coordinating federal nutrition research, including corresponding advantages, disadvantages, and potential executive and legislative considerations. METHODS We reviewed government and other published documents on federal nutrition research; held various discussions with expert groups, advocacy organizations, and scientific societies; and held in-person or phone meetings with >50 federal staff in executive and legislative roles, as well as with a variety of other stakeholders in academic, industry, and nongovernment organizations. RESULTS Stark national nutrition challenges were identified. More Americans are sick than are healthy, largely from rising diet-related illnesses. These conditions create tremendous strains on productivity, health care costs, health disparities, government budgets, US economic competitiveness, and military readiness. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has further laid bare these strains, including food insecurity, major diet-related comorbidities for poor outcomes from COVID-19 such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, and insufficient surveillance on and coordination of our food system. More than 10 federal departments and agencies currently invest in critical nutrition research, yet with relatively flat investments over several decades. Coordination also remains suboptimal, documented by multiple governmental reports over 50 years. Greater harmonization and expansion of federal investment in nutrition science, not a silo-ing or rearrangement of existing investments, has tremendous potential to generate new discoveries to improve and sustain the health of all Americans. Two identified key strategies to achieve this were as follows: 1) a new authority for robust cross-governmental coordination of nutrition research and other nutrition-related policy and 2) strengthened authority, investment, and coordination for nutrition research within the NIH. These strategies were found to be complementary, together catalyzing important new science, partnerships, coordination, and returns on investment. Additional complementary actions to accelerate federal nutrition research were identified at the USDA. CONCLUSIONS The need and opportunities for strengthened federal nutrition research are clear, with specific identified options to help create the new leadership, strategic planning, coordination, and investment the nation requires to address the multiple nutrition-related challenges and grasp the opportunities before us.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine E Woteki
- University of Virginia Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Paul M Coates
- Retired, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Van S Hubbard
- Retired, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Grace E Flaherty
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - David Kessler
- Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, College Park, MD, USA
| | | | - Joseph Loscalzo
- Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Patrick J Stover
- Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Dariush Mozaffarian
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Barriers to Preparing and Cooking Vegetables Are Associated with Decreased Home Availability of Vegetables in Low-Income Households. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061823. [PMID: 32570923 PMCID: PMC7353206 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowing which barriers to buying and preparing/cooking vegetables at home are linked with the home availability of vegetables and how food-security status impacts this relationship will facilitate the tailoring of future public health interventions. Baseline data were used from an elementary-school-based intervention. Data on household food-security status, availability of vegetables at home, and barriers to buying and preparing/cooking vegetables were collected from 1942 parents. Differences between food-secure and food-insecure households were examined for barriers to buying and preparing/cooking vegetables. Mixed-effects linear regression was used to estimate the associations between barriers to buying and preparing/cooking vegetables and food-security status on the home availability of vegetables. Food insecurity was reported in 27% of households. Food-insecure households were significantly more likely to report barriers to buying and preparing/cooking vegetables. The barriers to purchasing/cooking vegetables score was associated with a decrease in the home availability of vegetables score (β = −0.77; 95% CI: −0.88, −0.65; p < 0.001). Compared to food-secure households, food-insecure households were 15% less likely to have home vegetable availability (β = −1.18; 95% CI: −1.45, −0.92; p < 0.001). Although home availability of vegetables does not guarantee consumption, this study identified specific barriers that were associated with availability that can be targeted in future interventions seeking to improve vegetable consumption in the homes of low-income families.
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