Pantry Visit Frequency is Associated with Diet Quality in Indiana Food Pantry Users

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between pantry visit frequency, Healthy Eating Index (HEI) total and component scores, nutrient and food group intake of adult Indiana pantry users (21-80 y, n = 285). Food pantry users experience food insecurity and nutritional vulnerabilities yet knowledge of how their diet quality is associated with pantry use is limited. Participants (21 y) were recruited from food pantries in eight rural and low income counties in Indiana and interviewed for characteristics, food security (US Household Food Security Survey Module), dietary intake (Automated Self-Administered 24 Hour Recall, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD), and pantry visit frequency (1 time/month, > 1 time/month). Results from adjusted multiple linear regression models showed that those who visited food pantries no more than once per month had an estimated 3.6 point lower HEI total score (P = 0.03), 19.8 mg lower Magnesium (P = 0.03), 77.8 mg lower Phosphorus (P = 0.05), and 215.0 mg lower Potassium (P = 0.047) intake, compared with frequent users. Results from non-parametric analyses showed a lower HEI score for total fruit among those who visited no more than once per month compared with frequent users (P = 0.04). Results suggest food pantry use has a positive association with dietary quality. Mean HEI score well below the national average indicate a continuing need to improve access to nutritious foods.