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Almohamad M, Dave JM, Calloway EE, Li R, Sharma S. Relationship between Food Security, Nutrition Security, and Diabetes: The Role of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation. Curr Dev Nutr 2024; 8:102153. [PMID: 38693968 PMCID: PMC11061707 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.102153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Inadequate nutrition and poor diet quality are associated with a heightened risk of diabetes. The connection between food insecurity measures and diabetes has been established, with evidence indicating that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation contributes to reductions in food insecurity. Recently developed nutrition security measures, defined as the ability to acquire healthful foods to prevent diseases, and their association with diabetes and SNAP participation are not yet understood. Objectives This study aimed to assess the relationship between food security and nutrition security in relation to diabetes overall and by SNAP participation and nutrition security as potential modifiers. Methods Secondary data analysis of cross-sectional pilot study data collected from adults in 5 US states (N = 517). Logistic regression mixed models included moderation analysis and clustering effects by state to address site-level confounding. Results Higher nutrition security scores among adults, after adjusting for confounders, were significantly associated with lower odds of diabetes risk (adjusted odds ratio = 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.40, 0.87; P value = 0.008). Statistically significant interaction effect of differences according to SNAP participation was observed for nutrition security (Phomogeneity/interaction = 0.021), adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, employment, National School Lunch Program, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, food pantry use, household with children, survey mode, and food security. The association between food security and diabetes was not statistically significant overall. However, statistically significant interaction effect of differences according to SNAP participation was observed for food security (Phomogeneity/interaction = 0.047). Further, no interaction effect of differences in nutrition security was found between food security and self-reported diabetes/prediabetes (Phomogeneity/interaction = 0.250). Conclusions This study sheds light on the early exploration of the intricate relationship between nutrition security and diabetes. The findings suggest that a higher nutrition security score, after adjusting for confounders, was significantly associated with lower odds of diabetes risk. Notably, there were statistically significant interaction effects in these associations based on SNAP participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Almohamad
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jayna M Dave
- US Department of Agriculture/ Agricultural Research Service Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Eric E Calloway
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Ruosha Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shreela Sharma
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
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Kopels MC, Shattuck EC, Rocha J, Roulette CJ. Investigating the linkages between food insecurity, psychological distress, and poor sleep outcomes among U.S. college students. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e24032. [PMID: 38116753 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research overwhelmingly demonstrates that sleep is key to human health and wellbeing. Several factors likely contribute to sleep quality, including factors, such as food security and low income. In addition, exposure to structural inequalities early in life likely have downstream effects upon multiple dimensions of health. The objective of this study is to fill gaps in literature by specifically examining the associations between childhood food insecurity, current food insecurity, psychological distress, and sleep among college students. METHODS QR codes were randomly distributed to students, linking them to an online quantitative survey. The survey measured sociodemographic variables, food security (current and childhood), diet, mental distress, and sleep quality. A total of n = 134 completed the entire survey. Data were analyzed using binary and multiple linear regressions, as well as cross-tabulations. RESULTS The findings revealed that psychological distress was the primary factor influencing sleep health (𝛽 = 1.51, p < .01). Students reporting higher childhood food insecurity were more likely to experience extreme psychological distress (OR = 4.61), food insecurity in college (OR = 8.41), and lack of stable housing (OR = 5.86). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that potential linkages exist between childhood food insecurity, poor sleep, and greater psychological distress. While acknowledging the contribution of other factors, the study highlights the importance of addressing food insecurity in relation to sleep health, considering the significant impact of sleep to overall health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam C Kopels
- Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Eric C Shattuck
- Anthropology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Jennifer Rocha
- Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Casey J Roulette
- Anthropology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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Nix E, Dietrich N, Fralic J, Baker D. Increases in New but Not Returning Families to a Midwestern Food Pantry Network During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Acad Nutr Diet 2024; 124:215-224. [PMID: 37739124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2023.09.007] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food pantries are a resource for those experiencing food insecurity. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in food pantry utilization and volunteerism for a food pantry network during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN This 36-month longitudinal, observational study is a secondary analysis of data collected from an Ohio food pantry network. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING Participants were clients of a food pantry network. The data represent visits from 12 months prepandemic (March 2019 through February 2020), during the pandemic (March 2020 through February 2021), and after vaccines were readily available (March 2021 through February 2022). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Each data point represents a visit to the pantry network. The main outcome measures were total, returning, and new visits (ie, households that had not previously used this pantry network). The secondary outcome was volunteer hours by month. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS In order to account for month-to-month variability in pantry utilization, the data were analyzed using a time-series linear regression analysis with the month as the unit of analysis. RESULTS A total of 174,397 visits were recorded during the course of 36 months. Sixty-nine percent of reporting household members were female, 48% reported at least 1 senior in the home, and 41% reported at least 1 child at home. There was no significant change in total or returning visits during the pandemic or after vaccines were available compared with prepandemic levels. However, there was a significant increase in new households to the food pantry network during the pandemic compared with prepandemic (P = .05). Volunteer hours decreased significantly during the pandemic compared with prepandemic months and remained low even after vaccines were available (P = .004 and P = .003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Although there was an increase in households new to the food pantry, overall utilization did not increase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dean Baker
- Luther Social Services Food Pantry Network, Columbus, Ohio
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Martinelli S, Melnick EM, Acciai F, St. Thomas A, Ohri-Vachaspati P. Parent Perceptions and Opinions of Universal Free School Meals in Arizona. Nutrients 2024; 16:213. [PMID: 38257106 PMCID: PMC10820707 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020213] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
To support families during the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA allowed all US schools to offer meals at no cost regardless of family income, a policy referred to as Universal Free Meals or Healthy School Meals for All (HSM4A). Despite the recognized benefits and popularity of HSM4A during the pandemic, the policy expired in June 2022. The goal of this study was to gather perceptions of parents in Arizona about school meals, the HSM4A program, and the discontinuation of HSM4A. In collaboration with a local anti-hunger group, using an online survey distributed in September and October 2022, we collected data from a diverse sample of over 2000 parents living in Arizona. Parents unequivocally supported HSM4A during the pandemic (97%) and expressed support for continuing to offer HSM4A (95%). High levels of support were seen across all groups in the study, including from individuals who identified as politically conservative. We also analyzed 750 responses to an open-ended question asking respondents to share their thoughts about offering meals to all Arizona students regardless of family income. The majority of emergent themes related to perceived benefits of HSM4A, including reducing financial burden and stress for families. Our findings will be useful for advocates and policy makers considering HSM4A legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Martinelli
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (E.M.M.); (F.A.); (P.O.-V.)
| | - Emily M. Melnick
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (E.M.M.); (F.A.); (P.O.-V.)
| | - Francesco Acciai
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (E.M.M.); (F.A.); (P.O.-V.)
| | | | - Punam Ohri-Vachaspati
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (E.M.M.); (F.A.); (P.O.-V.)
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Atoloye AT, Akinsola O, Murillo M. Examining Factors Associated with the Use of Community Food Resources: An Application of the Andersen Model to Inform Future Interventions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:76. [PMID: 38248540 PMCID: PMC10815130 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010076] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The role of the food environment in shaping nutrition and health has gained substantial attention from policymakers, public health researchers, and advocacy groups. To promote equities in food access and nutrition outcomes, understanding factors linked with the utilization of local community food resources is crucial. Using Andersen's service utilization model, we explained how adults use their neighborhood food resources. In a cross-sectional study design, an online survey was conducted in REDCap Version 13.4.0 via the Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) involving 1830 adults with a mean age of 37.9 ± 12.1 years. Participants answered questions on predisposing, enabling, and need factors that influence their use of different community food resources. The predisposing factors that were statistically significant included age, family size, marital status, race, and ethnicity. The enabling factors included travel time, travel mode, income, and shopping decision motivators (such as being able to use Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) vouchers, delivery services, great sales, and coupons). Food security and community food resources need for lower food price were the significant need factors. However, these factors vary by the types of food resources. In conclusion, enhancing the utilization of community-based food access initiatives and programs among underserved families requires consideration of family composition, racial and ethnic diversity, and transportation access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiodun T. Atoloye
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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Sanjeevi N, Monsivais P. Association of emergency allotment discontinuation with household food insufficiency in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants: A quasi-experimental study. Prev Med 2023; 177:107784. [PMID: 38007199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107784] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was modified to mitigate food insecurity faced by low-income families during the pandemic. These changes included enhancement of SNAP benefits via 2020 emergency allotments (EA). Despite the high food price inflation in 2022, 17 states ceased providing EA benefits by end of 2022. The objective of this research is to examine the impact of EA discontinuation on food insufficiency. METHODS Using Household Pulse Survey data from December 2021-January 2023, SNAP participants (n = 57,556) from states that discontinued EA at some point during the study period and those from states that did not discontinue EA were included. The main analyses examined the impact of EA discontinuation on food insufficiency via staggered difference-in-difference models using two-way fixed effects (TWFE) regression. Additional analyses examined this association using Callaway-Sant'Anna approach for difference-in-difference analyses. RESULTS Using TWFE, EA discontinuation was significantly associated with increased food insufficiency in the overall sample, as well as in individuals who were non-Hispanic White and Hispanic, and who had annual family incomes of less than $25,000. Investigation of time-varying association of EA termination with food insufficiency suggested that EA discontinuation was significantly associated with greater food insufficiency in the second week following rollback. DiD analyses using Callaway-Sant'Anna approach suggested that states' rollback of EA was significantly associated with higher food insufficiency in non-Hispanic White individuals. CONCLUSION Findings imply that EA discontinuation, amidst the corresponding surge in inflation, could have contributed to increased rates of household food insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Sanjeevi
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington.
| | - Pablo Monsivais
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
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Chebli P, Đoàn LN, Thompson RL, Chin M, Sabounchi N, Foster V, Huang TTK, Trinh-Shevrin C, Kwon SC, Yi SS. Identifying opportunities for collective action around community nutrition programming through participatory systems science. Cancer Causes Control 2023; 34:1043-1058. [PMID: 37481755 PMCID: PMC10979368 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01751-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To apply principles of group model building (GMB), a participatory systems science approach, to identify barriers and opportunities for collective impact around nutrition programming to reduce cancer risk for immigrant communities in an urban environment. METHODS We convened four in-person workshops applying GMB with nine community partners to generate causal loop diagrams (CLDs)-a visual representation of hypothesized causal relationships between variables and feedback structures within a system. GMB workshops prompted participants to collaboratively identify programmatic goals and challenges related to (1) community gardening, (2) nutrition education, (3) food assistance programs, and (4) community-supported agriculture. Participants then attended a plenary session to integrate findings from all workshops and identify cross-cutting ideas for collective action. RESULTS Several multilevel barriers to nutrition programming emerged: (1) food policies center the diets and practices of White Americans and inhibit culturally tailored food guidelines and funding for culturally appropriate nutrition education; (2) the lack of culturally tailored nutrition education in communities is a missed opportunity for fostering pride in immigrant food culture and sustainment of traditional food practices; and (3) the limited availability of traditional ethnic produce in food assistance programs serving historically marginalized immigrant communities increases food waste and worsens food insecurity. CONCLUSION Emergent themes coalesced around the need to embed cultural tailoring into all levels of the food system, while also considering other characteristics of communities being reached (e.g., language needs). These efforts require coordinated actions related to food policy and advocacy, to better institutionalize these practices within the nutrition space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla Chebli
- Section for Health Equity, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Lan N Đoàn
- Section for Health Equity, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Rachel L Thompson
- Center for Systems and Community Design, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 W 125th St, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Matthew Chin
- Section for Health Equity, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Nasim Sabounchi
- Center for Systems and Community Design, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 W 125th St, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Victoria Foster
- Section for Health Equity, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Terry T K Huang
- Center for Systems and Community Design, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 W 125th St, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Chau Trinh-Shevrin
- Section for Health Equity, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Simona C Kwon
- Section for Health Equity, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Stella S Yi
- Section for Health Equity, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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Finkel MA, Barrios D, Partida I, Kelman E, Hulse E, Rosenthal A, Reiss J, Schwartz R, Meyer D, Woo Baidal JA. Participant and Stakeholder Perceptions of the Food FARMacy Emergency Food Assistance Program for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study. J Acad Nutr Diet 2023:S2212-2672(23)01638-6. [PMID: 37926236 PMCID: PMC11068857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2023.10.021] [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] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food FARMacy is a clinical-community emergency food assistance program developed in response to food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Few qualitative studies have examined participant, and clinical and community stakeholder experiences with these food assistance programs. OBJECTIVE To examine the motivations, experiences, and perceptions of Food FARMacy participants and program stakeholders. DESIGN A qualitative study using in-depth interviews between March 2021 and July 2021. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Twenty-four Food FARMacy participants and 10 program stakeholders in New York, NY (Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens) older than age 18 years were interviewed. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participant and program stakeholder interviews were analyzed separately. Themes that were salient in both groups were combined for reporting. RESULTS Both program participants and stakeholders perceived: pandemic-related demands combined with reduced resources motivated participation; convenience, safety, and ease of access facilitated program retention; participants valued fresh produce and diversity of foods; the program improved diet and health; minimizing food waste was a priority; and social cohesion was an unexpected program benefit. Two additional themes among only program stakeholders also were identified: aligned values, flexibility, and communication were key to successful partnerships; and trust between community partners and community members drove programmatic success. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that a multisite clinical-community partnership to provide emergency food assistance in New York City can be leveraged to reduce barriers to healthy food access and address food insecurity during crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A Finkel
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Daniela Barrios
- Clinical Patient Coordinator, Union Square Practice, New York, New York
| | - Ivette Partida
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, New York
| | | | - Emma Hulse
- CHALK Program, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
| | | | | | | | - Dodi Meyer
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, New York; NewYork-Presbyterian Division of Community and Population Health/Columbia Campus, New York, New York
| | - Jennifer A Woo Baidal
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, New York.
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Fishbein EM, Frongillo EA, Samin S, Richards AL, Blake CE, Saunders RP, Shapiro CJ. Understanding Commitment of Local Food Banks, Faith-Based Organizations, and Schools to Provide Nongovernment Food Programs. Curr Dev Nutr 2023; 7:102005. [PMID: 37877036 PMCID: PMC10590716 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.102005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nongovernment food assistance is typically provided to families by faith-based organizations, schools, and food banks. Community organizations appear to be strongly committed to these programs, but little is known about the basis for this commitment. Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the values and identities of community organizations to understand the reasons for their commitment to providing nongovernment food assistance. Methods Thirty-three in-depth interviews were conducted with 36 leaders at faith-based organizations (19 participants), schools (14 participants), and a local food bank (3 participants) in South Carolina. Observations were made, and informational documents (e.g., flyers and pamphlets) were reviewed. Thematic coding using the constant comparative method was guided by the policy concepts of organizational perspectives, values, and identities. Results Nongovernment food programs offered participants volunteering opportunities to become involved with community organizations, which in turn increased financial support for the sustainability of these programs. School participants regarded themselves as a mechanism through which food programs were provided because of their commitment to students and believed they have limited capacity to make proposals to influence the food programs. Seeking to improve the well-being of the community by ending hunger was not the primary value on which organizations focused; instead, it was the process of fulfilling other values (e.g., forming or maintaining relationships within the community), maintaining identity, and appealing to their participants that strengthened their commitment to nongovernment food programs. Conclusion Nongovernment programs are meant to be a solution to food insecurity complementary to government programs. Commitment to nongovernment programs fulfills organizational identities, wants, and assumptions, but a consequence of commitment to food programs, derived from fulfilling other values, is that the roots of hunger in a community become obscured and alternative solutions are ignored or rejected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza M. Fishbein
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Edward A. Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Sharraf Samin
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Audrey L. Richards
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Christine E. Blake
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Ruth P. Saunders
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Cheri J. Shapiro
- Institute for Families in Society, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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Avelino DC, Duffy VB, Puglisi M, Ray S, Lituma-Solis B, Nosal BM, Madore M, Chun OK. Can Ordering Groceries Online Support Diet Quality in Adults Who Live in Low Food Access and Low-Income Environments? Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15040862. [PMID: 36839221 PMCID: PMC9964317 DOI: 10.3390/nu15040862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. food assistance programs allowed the use of program benefits to order groceries online. We examined relationships between the food environment, food assistance, online grocery ordering, and diet quality among adults from one low-income, low food access community in Northeastern Connecticut during the pandemic. Via online survey, adults (n = 276) reported their perceived home and store food environments, food assistance participation, whether they ordered groceries online, and consumption frequency and liking of foods/beverages to calculate diet quality indices. Those who ordered groceries online (44.6%) were more likely to participate in food assistance programs and report greater diet quality. Perceived healthiness of store and home food environments was variable, with the ease of obtaining and selecting unhealthy foods in the neighborhood significantly greater than healthy foods. Healthier perceived home food environments were associated with significantly higher diet qualities, especially among individuals who participated in multiple food assistance programs. Ordering groceries online interacted with multiple measures of the food environment to influence diet quality. Generally, the poorest diet quality was observed among individuals who perceived their store and home food environments as least healthy and who did not order groceries online. Thus, ordering groceries online may support higher diet quality among adults who can use their food assistance for purchasing groceries online and who live in low-income, low-access food environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C. Avelino
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Valerie B. Duffy
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Correspondence: (V.B.D.); (O.K.C.); Tel.: +860-486-1997 (V.B.D.); +860-486-6275 (O.K.C.)
| | - Michael Puglisi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Snehaa Ray
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Brenda Lituma-Solis
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Briana M. Nosal
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Matthew Madore
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Ock K. Chun
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Correspondence: (V.B.D.); (O.K.C.); Tel.: +860-486-1997 (V.B.D.); +860-486-6275 (O.K.C.)
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11
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Schuler BR, Vazquez CE, Hernandez DC. How Does Consistency of Food and Nutrition Support Effect Daily Food Consumption among Children Living in Poverty? Recession-Era Implications. Nutrients 2022; 15:29. [PMID: 36615687 PMCID: PMC9824108 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Underutilization of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) food safety net programs may compromise child nutritional benefits for families with limited incomes. Using a sample of children surveyed before (2003−2006) and after the Great Recession (2007−2009), we examine whether consistent access to WIC and SNAP during times of increased economic stress moderated the association between poverty level (i.e., income-needs ratio [INR]) and fruits and vegetables (FV) or foods high in saturated fats and added sugars (SFAS). Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study income-eligible mothers/children (≤185% of poverty) with available FV and SFAS data at the 5- (2003−2006) and 9-year (2007−2010) waves (n = 733) were included. Main effects of INR and interaction effects of consistency of WIC, SNAP, and dual WIC and SNAP support from birth through age 5 were examined. INR was associated with decreased FV consumption frequency from age 5 to 9, conditional upon consistency of dual WIC/SNAP enrollment. FV declined when there was low consistency (<1 year) of dual support. FV consumption was stable across INR when combined WIC/SNAP support lasted at least 2 years. Results can inform strategies for optimizing the nutritional impact of WIC and SNAP by focusing on those most at risk for underutilization of multiple benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany R. Schuler
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Christian E. Vazquez
- School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Daphne C. Hernandez
- Cizik School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
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12
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Federal Food Assistance Program Participation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Participant Perspectives and Reasons for Discontinuing. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14214524. [PMID: 36364785 PMCID: PMC9654117 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to describe reasons for discontinuing participation and experiences participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data from a cross-sectional online survey distributed to a national sample, restricted to (1) households that discontinued participating in SNAP (n = 146) or WIC (n = 149) during the pandemic and (2) households that participated in SNAP (n = 501) or WIC (n = 141) during spring 2021—approximately one year into the pandemic. We conducted thematic analyses of open-ended survey questions and descriptive statistics for Likert-scale items. Themes raised by respondents who discontinued participating in SNAP or WIC included difficulty recertifying and virus exposure concerns. Former WIC participants reported the program was not worth the effort and former SNAP participants reported failing to requalify. Respondents participating in WIC or SNAP during the pandemic mentioned transportation barriers and insufficient benefit value. WIC participants had trouble redeeming benefits in stores and SNAP participants desired improved online grocery purchasing experiences. These results suggest that enhancements to WIC and SNAP, such as expanded online purchasing options, program flexibilities, and benefit increases, can improve program participation to ensure access to critical nutrition supports, especially during emergencies.
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13
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McKay FH, Zinga J, van der Pligt P. Consensus from an expert panel on how to identify and support food insecurity during pregnancy: A modified Delphi study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1231. [PMID: 36199090 PMCID: PMC9533284 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08587-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Food insecurity and hunger during pregnancy have significant implications for the health of the mother and baby. Assisting clinicians when they encounter women who are experiencing hunger or food insecurity during their pregnancy will increase the opportunity for better birth and pregnancy outcomes. At present there are no guidelines for Australian clinicians on how to do this. Methods This study uses a modified Delphi technique, allowing diverse participation in the process, to create consensus on the ways to address and respond to food insecurity during pregnancy. This modified Delphi collected data via two rounds of consensus. The opinions collected from the first round were thematically categorised and grouped. The topics were integrated into the survey for the second round and circulated to participants. During the second round, priorities were scored by giving five points to the topic considered most important, and one point to the least important. Results Through two rounds of consultation, the panel achieved consensus on how to identify food insecurity during pregnancy, with some clear items of consensus related to interventions that could be implemented to address food insecurity during pregnancy. Experts achieved consensus on items that have importance at the institution and policy level, as well as services that exist in the community. The consensus across the spectrum of opportunities for assistance, from the clinical, to community-provided assistance, and on to government policy and practice demonstrate the complexity of this issue, and the multipronged approach that will be required to address it. Conclusion This is the first time such a consultation with experts on hunger and food insecurity during pregnancy has been conducted in Australia. Items that achieved consensus and the importance of the issue suggest several ways forward when working with pregnant women who are hungry and/or food insecure. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08587-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona H McKay
- School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 3220, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| | - Julia Zinga
- School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 3220, Geelong, VIC, Australia.,Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Paige van der Pligt
- The Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 3220, Geelong, VIC, Australia.,Department of Nutrition Western Health, Footscray, Australia
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14
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Scurlock AM, Brown E, Davis CM. Food insecurity in children and adults with food allergies. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2022; 129:424-429. [PMID: 35987455 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2022.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Food allergy is a substantial public health concern associated with risk of severe or potentially life-threatening reactions and requiring life-altering changes in dietary habits. This increasingly prevalent health concern is associated with adverse medical, nutritional, psychosocial, and economic effects on the estimated 32 million affected individuals in the United States. Management of food allergy requires life-altering dietary modifications and constant vigilance to avoid implicated allergens to minimize the risk of anaphylaxis, which can lead to considerable anxiety and reduced quality of life. Specialized diets are expensive and often difficult to access, particularly for low-income and minority individuals with food allergy. The overlap of food insecurity with diet-treated illnesses further increases the burden on patients with food allergies and their families, with overall rates of food insecurity increasing substantially during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Universal screening to identify food insecure households and connect them with appropriate resources is a critical step in addressing unmet needs at the individual and family level. At the systems level, integrated advocacy approaches addressing the complex interplay between multiple societal issues such as poverty, systemic racism, wage inequality, housing insecurity, lack of transportation, and other social determinants of health are vital to ensure access to safe, healthy, nutritionally complete options for patients with food allergies and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Scurlock
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Hospital and Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
| | | | - Carla M Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
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15
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Au LE, Whaley SE, Hecht CA, Tsai MM, Anderson CE, Chaney AM, Vital N, Martinez CE, Ritchie LD. A Qualitative Examination of California WIC Participants' and Local Agency Directors' Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Acad Nutr Diet 2022; 122:2218-2227.e21. [PMID: 35811065 PMCID: PMC9259507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The U.S. Department of Agriculture granted waivers to allow flexibility in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, however research examining the associations between waiver introduction and changes in perceptions, practices, and challenges of WIC participants' and agency directors' experiences is limited. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess California WIC participants' and agency directors' perceptions and practices of remote WIC services during the COVID-19 pandemic. A secondary aim was to understand other COVID-19 challenges related to maintaining access to healthy foods by WIC participants. DESIGN A qualitative study which included semi-structured interviews was conducted between June 2020-March 2021. PARTICIPANTS /Setting: 182 WIC participants with a child 0-5 years old from 3 regions of California (southern, central, northern) and 22 local WIC agency directors across the state were interviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES WIC participants' and agency directors' perceptions, practices, and other challenges during COVID-19. STATISTICAL ANALYSES Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS Participants shared that they valued the information received from WIC and were very satisfied with remote WIC services. Participants reported that enrolling in WIC remotely was easier than coming in-person. All waivers and changes to WIC operations, namely the physical presence, remote benefit issuance, and separation of duties waivers, and remote work and remote delivery of nutrition education, were largely viewed by WIC agency directors as options that should be continued post-pandemic. Further, a majority (63%) of households reported experiencing food insecurity, and half of respondents received food from a food bank or pantry during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest WIC will attract and retain the most families by offering a 'hybrid' model of services, incorporating both on-site services and remote options in order to work more efficiently and effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Au
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, California.
| | - Shannon E Whaley
- Director of Research and Evaluation, Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC, Irwindale, California
| | - Christina A Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Marisa M Tsai
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Christopher E Anderson
- Director of Research and Evaluation, Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC, Irwindale, California
| | - Alana M Chaney
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Nicole Vital
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Catherine E Martinez
- Director of Research and Evaluation, Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC, Irwindale, California
| | - Lorrene D Ritchie
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
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