Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study is to investigate the potential impact of a community-based intervention - the Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Children (HKHC) intervention - on participating women’s household’s economics and food security status, decision making, mental health and social support.MethodsWe established two healthy kitchens in existing community-based organizations in Palestinian camps in Lebanon. These were set up as small business enterprises, using participatory approaches to develop recipes and train women in food preparation, food safety and entrepreneurship. We used a mixed-methods approach to assess the impact of participating in the program on women’s economic, food security, decision making, social and mental health outcomes. A questionnaire was administered to women at baseline and at an 8-month endpoint. The end line survey was complemented by a set of embedded open-ended questions.ResultsThirty-two Palestinian refugee women were employed within the kitchens on a rotating basis. Participating women had a 13% increase in household expenditure. This was translated into a significant increase in food (p < 0.05) and clothing expenditures (p < 0.01), as well as a reduction in food insecurity score (p < 0.01). These findings were supported by qualitative data which found that the kitchens provided women with financial support in addition to a space to form social bonds, discuss personal issues and share experiences.ConclusionsThis model created a social enterprise using the concept of community kitchens linked to schools and allowed women to significantly contribute to household expenditure and improve their food security.
Highlights
The aim of this study is to investigate the potential impact of a community-based intervention - the Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Children (HKHC) intervention - on participating women’s household’s economics and food security status, decision making, mental health and social support
We evaluated the potential of such a model in a refugee population living in a middle-income context, and investigated changes in household economics and food security status, decision making, mental health and social support in participating women
We worked with UNRWA’s social services program to identify already existing community-based women’s organizations (CBOs) that would be willing to participate in the intervention and whose community centers were in close proximity to UNRWA elementary schools
Summary
The aim of this study is to investigate the potential impact of a community-based intervention - the Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Children (HKHC) intervention - on participating women’s household’s economics and food security status, decision making, mental health and social support. The Palestinian refugee presence in Lebanon dates back to 1948, with the majority of refugees living in urban camps with deteriorating infrastructure. In Lebanon, Palestinians face social and political exclusion including restrictions on employment [1], and have fragile livelihoods and high rates of poverty. Community kitchens are defined as community-based cooking programs which aim to enhance food preparation skills [5]. Participants in community kitchens are trained in budgeting, menu planning, food hygiene, cooking skills, and may receive nutrition education
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