Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the association of the overall nutritional quality and the weight share of specific types of foods received by food pantry clients with food pantry size and distribution method. Data on healthy food weights using the gross weight share (GWS) of select foods and the validated Food Assortment Score Tool (FAST) were collected from 75 food pantry clients in Baltimore, Maryland. The average FAST score across the study population was 63.0 (SD: 10.4). Overall, no statistically significant differences in average FAST scores by pantry size and distribution method were found. However, among client-choice pantries, clients of small pantries had higher scores (p < 0.05) while among medium pantries, clients of traditional pantries had higher scores (p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis of GWS was stratified by pantry size and distribution methods. Findings suggested multi-level, multi-component interventions combining environmental strategies are needed to enhance the healthfulness of foods received by clients. Our analysis provided data to consider further refinements of pantry interventions and planning of more rigorous research on factors influencing the effectiveness of pantry interventions.
Highlights
Food insecurity was experienced by 11.1% of United States (U.S.) households in 2018, including households in large urban centers such as Baltimore city [1]
Half of these organizations are operated by volunteers at community-based nonprofit organizations such as churches and homeless shelters, whereas the other half are located within Baltimore City Public
In this study, we evaluated the association of the overall nutritional quality and the weight share of specific types of foods received by food pantry clients with food pantry size and distribution method
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Food insecurity was experienced by 11.1% of United States (U.S.) households in 2018, including households in large urban centers such as Baltimore city [1]. According to Feeding America, about 23% of people residing in Baltimore currently experience food insecurity, including more than 30,000 children [1]. In Baltimore, there are over 220 food pantries working with the Maryland Food Bank [2]. Half of these organizations are operated by volunteers at community-based nonprofit organizations such as churches and homeless shelters, whereas the other half are located within Baltimore City Public
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