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Safayet M, Casellas Connors JP, Watson M. Measuring access to food banks and food pantries: A scoping review of spatial analysis approaches. Health Place 2024; 88:103251. [PMID: 38744054 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Food banks and food pantries are crucial in supporting access to food and addressing food insecurity for millions of people. This scoping review identified eighteen articles that applied spatial analysis approaches to measure access to food banks and food pantries. The review summarizes the methods and primary findings of these studies, and examines how these address different dimensions of food access. Findings suggest that the majority of studies measured the accessibility and availability dimensions of food access, and two addressed accommodation. Through a discussion of these studies' methods and broader literature on food environments, we highlight opportunities to integrate advanced geospatial and mixed methods to support an empirically grounded and broader understanding of food bank and pantry access in future research. This will yield a more holistic picture of food environments and provide practical implications for site selection, resource allocation, and food assistance operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mastura Safayet
- Department of Geography, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - John P Casellas Connors
- Department of Geography, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Hazards Reduction and Recovery Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Maria Watson
- M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management, Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Lee YY, Caron-Roy S, Turko B, Shearer J, Campbell DJ, Elliott C, Barker D, Raine KD, Tyminski S, Olstad DL. Experiences and perceived outcomes of a grocery gift card programme for households at risk of food insecurity. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2460-2469. [PMID: 37528809 DOI: 10.1017/s136898002300157x] [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: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored programme recipients' and deliverers' experiences and perceived outcomes of accessing or facilitating a grocery gift card (GGC) programme from I Can for Kids (iCAN), a community-based programme that provides GGC to low-income families with children. DESIGN This qualitative descriptive study used Freedman et al's framework of nutritious food access to guide data generation and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between August and November 2020. Data were analysed using directed content analysis with a deductive-inductive approach. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-four participants were purposively recruited, including thirty-seven programme recipients who accessed iCAN's GGC programme and seventeen programme deliverers who facilitated it. SETTING Calgary, Alberta, Canada. RESULTS Three themes were generated from the data. First, iCAN's GGC programme promoted a sense of autonomy and dignity among programme recipients as they appreciated receiving financial support, the flexibility and convenience of using GGC, and the freedom to select foods they desired. Recipients perceived these benefits improved their social and emotional well-being. Second, recipients reported that the use of GGC improved their households' dietary patterns and food skills. Third, both participant groups identified programmatic strengths and limitations. CONCLUSION Programme recipients reported that iCAN's GGC programme provided them with dignified access to nutritious food and improved their households' finances, dietary patterns, and social and emotional well-being. Increasing the number of GGC provided to households on each occasion, establishing clear and consistent criteria for distributing GGC to recipients, and increasing potential donors' awareness of iCAN's GGC programme may augment the amount of support iCAN could provide to households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yun Lee
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, ABT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Caron-Roy
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, ABT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Bobbi Turko
- I Can for Kids, 26 Riverview Park SE, Calgary, ABT2C 3Z7, Canada
| | - Jane Shearer
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, ABT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - David Jt Campbell
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, ABT2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Charlene Elliott
- Department of Communication, Media and Film, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, ABT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Donald Barker
- I Can for Kids, 26 Riverview Park SE, Calgary, ABT2C 3Z7, Canada
| | - Kim D Raine
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave Edmonton, ABT6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Sheila Tyminski
- Nutrition Services, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dana Lee Olstad
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, ABT2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, ABT2N 4Z6, Canada
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Wu JH, Trieu K, Coyle D, Huang L, Wijesuriya N, Nallaiah K, Lung T, Di Tanna GL, Zheng M, Mozaffarian D, MacMillan F, Simmons D, Wu T, Twigg S, Gauld A, Constantino M, McGill M, Wong J, Neal B. Testing the Feasibility and Dietary Impact of a "Produce Prescription" Program for Adults with Undermanaged Type 2 Diabetes and Food Insecurity in Australia. J Nutr 2022; 152:2409-2418. [PMID: 36774107 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing interest in Food is Medicine programs that incorporate food-based interventions into health care for patients with diet-related conditions. OBJECTIVES We aimed to test the feasibility of a "produce prescription" program and its impact on diet quality for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) experiencing food insecurity in Australia. METHODS We conducted a pre-post intervention study in n = 50 adults experiencing food insecurity with T2D and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥8%. Once enrolled, participants received healthy food boxes weekly free of charge, with the contents sufficient to create 2 meals/d, 5 d/wk for the entire household, over 12 wk. Participants were also provided with tailored recipes and behavioral change support. The primary outcome was change in diet quality assessed by 24-h diet recalls. Secondary outcomes included differences in cardiovascular disease risk factors; blood micronutrients; and feasibility indicators. Differences in the baseline and 12-wk mean primary and secondary outcomes were assessed by paired t tests. RESULTS Participants were older adults with mean ± SD age 63 ± 9 y (range: 40-87 y), HbA1c 9.8% ± 1.5%, and 46% were female. Overall, 92% completed the final study follow-up for the primary outcome. Compared with baseline, diet quality improved at week 12, with an increase in the mean overall diet quality (Alternate Healthy Eating Index score) of 12.9 (95% CI: 8.7, 17.1; P < 0.001), driven by significant improvements in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, red/processed meat, trans fat, sodium, and alcohol consumption. Blood lipids also improved (total:HDL cholesterol: -0.48; 95% CI: -0.72, -0.24; P < 0.001), and there was significant weight loss (-1.74 kg; 95% CI: -2.80, -0.68 kg, P = 0.002), but no changes in other clinical outcomes. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide strong support for an adequately powered randomized trial to assess effects of produce prescription as an innovative approach to improve clinical management among individuals with T2D experiencing food insecurity. This trial was registered at https://anzctr.org.au/ as ACTRN12621000404820.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Hy Wu
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daisy Coyle
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Liping Huang
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nirupama Wijesuriya
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kellie Nallaiah
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas Lung
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gian L Di Tanna
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Miaobing Zheng
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dariush Mozaffarian
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Freya MacMillan
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia; Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit (DOMTRU), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia; Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Simmons
- Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit (DOMTRU), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia; Macarthur Diabetes Service, Camden and Campbelltown Hospital, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ted Wu
- Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Clinic, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Twigg
- Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Clinic, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Gauld
- Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Clinic, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Constantino
- Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Clinic, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margaret McGill
- Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Clinic, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jencia Wong
- Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Clinic, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bruce Neal
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Imperial College London, School of Public Health, London, United Kingdom
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Malberg Dyg P, Christensen S, Peterson CJ. Community gardens and wellbeing amongst vulnerable populations: a thematic review. Health Promot Int 2021; 35:790-803. [PMID: 31369084 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the thematic review is to document the effects of community gardens on wellbeing amongst vulnerable populations. We searched for articles published between 1980 and 2017 in major databases resulting in the inclusion of 51 articles. Vulnerable populations included, amongst others, ethnic minorities and refugees, socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods or low-income or food insecure families. Our findings suggest that community garden participation may have a positive impact on physical health, such as reducing body weight and hypertension, and increasing physical activity and food knowledge. However, findings relating to community gardens and their potential to enhance food security were inconsistent. Furthermore we found that community gardens can have a positive influence both at the individual level (i.e. self-esteem, independence, personal control, etc.), particularly for refugees; the relational and social level (i.e. relationships, social connections, community and neighbourhood). Community garden participation have the potential to enhance wellbeing amongst vulnerable populations. However, two articles in our review presented potential food safety concerns related to community gardens, indicating that, particularly in urban settings, attention must be given to minimizing potential food safety concerns, e.g. by using raised garden beds. Based on this review, we recommend that further research and evaluation on non-US-based community gardens is carried out, as community gardens are practiced globally but there is little research to document the effects of community gardens on wellbeing amongst vulnerable populations outside of the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Malberg Dyg
- University College Copenhagen, Department of Nursing and Nutrition, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Christensen
- Roskilde University, Institute for People and Technology, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Corissa Jade Peterson
- University College Copenhagen, Department of Nursing and Nutrition, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Men F, Tarasuk V. Food Insecurity amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Food Charity, Government Assistance, and Employment. CANADIAN PUBLIC POLICY. ANALYSE DE POLITIQUES 2021; 47:202-230. [PMID: 36039314 PMCID: PMC9395161 DOI: 10.3138/cpp.2021-001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
To mitigate the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the federal government has implemented several financial assistance programs, including unprecedented funding to food charities. Using the Canadian Perspectives Survey Series 2, we examine the demographic, employment, and behavioural characteristics associated with food insecurity in April-May 2020. We find that one-quarter of job-insecure individuals experienced food insecurity that was strongly associated with pandemic-related disruptions to employment income, major financial hardship, and use of food charity, yet the vast majority of food-insecure households did not report receiving any charitable food assistance. Increased financial support for low-income households would reduce food insecurity and mitigate negative repercussions of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Men
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Department of Consumer Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Valerie Tarasuk
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Zorbas C, Palermo C, Chung A, Iguacel I, Peeters A, Bennett R, Backholer K. Factors perceived to influence healthy eating: a systematic review and meta-ethnographic synthesis of the literature. Nutr Rev 2018; 76:861-874. [DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Zorbas
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire Palermo
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexandra Chung
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Isabel Iguacel
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - Anna Peeters
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca Bennett
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Milliron BJ, Vitolins MZ, Gamble E, Jones R, Chenault MC, Tooze JA. Process Evaluation of a Community Garden at an Urban Outpatient Clinic. J Community Health 2018; 42:639-648. [PMID: 27900514 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-016-0299-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In addition to expediting patient recovery, community gardens that are associated with medical facilities can provide fresh produce to patients and their families, serve as a platform for clinic-based nutrition education, and help patients develop new skills and insights that can lead to positive health behavior change. While community gardening is undergoing resurgence, there is a strong need for evaluation studies that employ valid and reliable measures. The objective of this study was to conduct a process evaluation of a community garden program at an urban medical clinic to estimate the prevalence of patient awareness and participation, food security, barriers to participation, and personal characteristics; garden volunteer satisfaction; and clinic staff perspectives in using the garden for patient education/treatment. Clinic patients (n = 411) completed a community garden participation screener and a random sample completed a longer evaluation survey (n = 152); garden volunteers and medical staff completed additional surveys. Among patients, 39% had heard of and 18% had received vegetables from the garden; the greatest barrier for participation was lack of awareness. Volunteers reported learning about gardening, feeling more involved in the neighborhood, and environmental concern; and medical staff endorsed the garden for patient education/treatment. Comprehensive process evaluations can be utilized to quantify benefits of community gardens in medical centers as well as to point out areas for further development, such as increasing patient awareness. As garden programming at medical centers is formalized, future research should include systematic evaluations to determine whether this unique component of the healthcare environment helps improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandy-Joe Milliron
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, 1601 Cherry Street, Mail Stop 31030, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
| | - Mara Z Vitolins
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gamble
- Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Robert Jones
- Downtown Health Plaza, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Margaret C Chenault
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, 1601 Cherry Street, Mail Stop 31030, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Janet A Tooze
- Department of Biostatistics, Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
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Examining the impact of a school-based fruit and vegetable co-op in the Hispanic community through documentary photography. Appetite 2017; 116:115-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Evans A, Banks K, Jennings R, Nehme E, Nemec C, Sharma S, Hussaini A, Yaroch A. Increasing access to healthful foods: a qualitative study with residents of low-income communities. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2015; 12 Suppl 1:S5. [PMID: 26222910 PMCID: PMC4658775 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-12-s1-s5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate access to healthful foods has been identified as a significant barrier to healthful dietary behaviors among individuals who live in low-income communities. The purpose of this study was to gather low-income community members' opinions about their food purchasing choices and their perceptions of the most effective ways to increase access to healthful foods in their communities. METHODS Spanish and English focus groups were conducted in low-income, ethnically-diverse communities. Participants were asked about their knowledge, factors influencing their food purchasing decisions, and their perceptions regarding solutions to increase access to healthful foods. RESULTS A total of 148 people participated in 13 focus groups. The majority of participants were female and ethnically diverse (63% Hispanic, 17% African American, 16% Caucasian, and 4% “other”). More than 75% of the participants reported making less than $1999 USD per month. Participants reported high levels of knowledge and preference for healthful foods. The most important barriers influencing healthful shopping behaviors included high price of healthful food, inadequate geographical access to healthful food, poor quality of available healthful food, and lack of overall quality of the proximate retail stores. Suggested solutions to inadequate access included placement of new chain supermarkets in their communities. Strategies implemented in convenience stores were not seen as effective. Farmers’ markets, with specific stipulations, and community gardens were regarded as beneficial supplementary solutions. CONCLUSION The results from the focus groups provide important input from a needs assessment perspective from the community, identify gaps in access, and offer potential effective solutions to provide direction for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Evans
- Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Karen Banks
- Share Our Strength Center for Best Practices, 1030 15th St NW, Ste 1100 West, Washington, D.C. 20005, USA
| | - Rose Jennings
- Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Eileen Nehme
- Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Cori Nemec
- Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Shreela Sharma
- Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Aliya Hussaini
- Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, PO Box 163867, Austin, TX 78716, USA
| | - Amy Yaroch
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, 8401 West Dodge Road, Suite100 Omaha, NE 68114, USA
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Lotoski LC, Engler-Stringer R, Muhajarine N. Cross-sectional analysis of a community-based cooperative grocery store intervention in Saskatoon, Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2015; 106:e147-53. [PMID: 26125241 DOI: 10.17269/cjph.106.4710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this research is to examine the awareness and use of the Good Food Junction (GFJ), a not-for-profit full service cooperative grocery store in a former food desert in Saskatoon, Canada. METHODS Through door-to-door sampling, 365 residents in their neighbourhoods surrounding the GFJ grocery store were recruited. Quantitative surveys examined awareness, use and primary use of GFJ, mode of transportation to and from GFJ and primary grocery stores, other food program use and demographic data. Differences between those who had or had not shopped at GFJ were characterized using descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to predict shopping at GFJ and the use of GFJ as a primary grocery store. RESULTS Of those surveyed, 69% had shopped at GFJ. A significant proportion of shoppers were Aboriginal, had an annual household income per person of less than $20,000, and participated in other food-based programs and initiatives. Aboriginal people (OR = 2.0, p = 0.03) and users of neighbourhood-based fruit and vegetable markets (OR = 2.7, p = 0.04) were significantly more likely, but new immigrants to Canada (OR = 0.3, p = 0.05) were significantly less likely to have ever shopped at GFJ. Aboriginal respondents (OR = 2.6, p = 0.04) were significantly more likely to use GFJ as their primary grocery store. CONCLUSION Our results confirm both that GFJ is able to serve households where food insecurity is likely and, based on the prevalence of users, the importance and need for a full-service supermarket in Saskatoon's inner city.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nazeem Muhajarine
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit.
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Tarasuk V, Dachner N, Hamelin AM, Ostry A, Williams P, Bosckei E, Poland B, Raine K. A survey of food bank operations in five Canadian cities. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:1234. [PMID: 25432209 PMCID: PMC4289166 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-1234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food banks have emerged in response to growing food insecurity among low-income groups in many affluent nations, but their ability to manage this problem is questionable. In Canada, in the absence of public programs and policy interventions, food banks are the only source of immediate assistance for households struggling to meet food needs, but there are many indications that this response is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that facilitate and limit food bank operations in five Canadian cities and appraise the potential of these initiatives to meet food needs. METHODS An inventory of charitable food provisioning in Halifax, Quebec City, Toronto, Edmonton, and Victoria, Canada was conducted in 2010. Of the 517 agencies that participated in a telephone survey of their operations, 340 were running grocery programs. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between program characteristics, volume of service, and indicators of strain in food banks' abilities to consistently achieve the standards of assistance they had established. RESULTS Extensive, well-established food bank activities were charted in each city, with the numbers of people assisted ranging from 7,111 in Halifax to 90,141 in Toronto per month. Seventy-two percent of agencies indicated that clients needed more food than they provided. The number of people served by any one agency in the course of a month was positively associated with the proportion of food distributed that came from donations (beta 0.0143, SE 0.0024, p 0.0041) and the number of volunteers working in the agency (beta 0.0630, SE 0.0159, p 0.0167). Food banks only achieved equilibrium between supply and demand when they contained demand through restrictions on client access. When access to assistance was less restricted, the odds of food banks running out of food and invoking measures to ration remaining supplies and restrict access rose significantly. CONCLUSIONS Despite their extensive history, food banks in Canada remain dependent on donations and volunteers, with available resources quickly exhausted in the face of agencies' efforts to more fully meet clients' needs. Food banks have limited capacity to respond to the needs of those who seek assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Tarasuk
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada.
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