Emergency Food Research Articles

P32 Evaluation of Multilevel Nutrition Interventions among Urban Clients on Charitable Food Assistance

<h3>Background</h3> Decreased accessibility to farmland and food insecurity in urban areas have expanded the need for emergency food assistance. The culture of food banks is evolving from a system that supplied non-perishable foods for immediate needs to more sustainable initiatives that emphasize access to healthier foods and nutrition education due to the rise of obesity and chronic diseases. Furthermore, minimal evaluation on produce consumption behaviors of underserved clients using resources from local and federal programs has been conducted. <h3>Objective</h3> Evaluate the relationship between usage of federal nutrition programs, local resources, and fresh produce consumption among clients on charitable food assistance. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> A cross-sectional design during Summer 2018 was implemented with 91 respondents (87% African American and 13% other) who met inclusion criteria for socioeconomic status at 5 faith-based and healthcare food pantries and clinics in Washington DC. Subjects completed informed consent, demographics, and the Eating at America's Table survey of fruit and vegetable consumption patterns. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> R software version 3.5.3 was used for data analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) Fisher Test measured the relationship between number of federal programs used and mean intakes of fresh produce as well as number of local nutrition resources used and mean intakes of fresh produce. ANOVA findings were confirmed via Tukey, Scheffe, and least square difference testing. <h3>Results</h3> Subjects who reported participation in 1 or more federal programs reported higher intakes of fruit, potatoes, non-starchy vegetables, and beans than those who did not (<i>P</i> < .05). Subjects who used 1 or more local nutritional resources reported higher intakes of fruit, potatoes, and non-starchy vegetables than those who did not (<i>P</i> < .05). <h3>Conclusions</h3> To improve food security and sustainability, urban communities, especially underserved areas, may benefit from multiple subsystems, including local food production and nutrition support from federal and decentralized community resources.

P13 Social Network Analysis of Urban Church Food Pantries

<h3>Background</h3> Examining social networks helps to explain the connectedness of individuals, groups or communities, and is useful in demonstrating the potential that lies within and between networks. When evaluating social networks, relationships are viewed as "nodes" (eg individuals or points) and their connecting "ties" (eg the relationships between the nodes). Detailing food pantry and client "connectedness" through social network analysis can assist researchers and policymakers to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the informal emergency food system. <h3>Objective</h3> The objective of the study was to examine the degree to which urban church food pantries are connected to the clients they serve using the social network theory. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> The research design was a population-based, cross-sectional study using a snowball sampling method of church food pantries in Nashville, Tennessee, from 2015–2018. The study population included 93 urban churches with 46 having on-site food pantries. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Zip codes for church-based pantries and clients served were collected via an electronic survey tool sent to urban churches. Social network ties between church food pantries and clients were analyzed utilizing UCINET 6 software. <h3>Results</h3> From the social network analysis a sociogram (eg visual matrix) was developed depicting 56 nodes (26 churches; 30 client zip codes) and 148 ties. Five large churches (membership ≥ 300), 13 medium-sized churches (membership = 100 to 299), and 8 small churches (membership ≤ 100) were identified within 23 zip codes. Large churches had 31 ties, medium-sized churches had 98 ties and small churches had 19 ties. Two central, medium-sized churches had the most ties with 20 and 30, respectively. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Although it was assumed that larger churches would have more social network ties, church size was not a limiting factor in serving urban areas through food pantries. Further research is needed to evaluate if current church food pantry social networks ensure vulnerable populations are being adequately served.

Child poverty, food insecurity, and respiratory health during the COVID-19 pandemic

Child poverty, food insecurity, and respiratory health during the COVID-19 pandemic

Re-envisioning Emergency Food Systems Using Photovoice and Concept Mapping

Researchers engaging in participatory planning initiatives can enhance participant involvement by using concept mapping integrated with photo-elicitation. Focusing on a research collaboration between the University of Georgia and the Atlanta Community Food Bank, our research used these methods to identify sources of instability for food insecure households and generate new program ideas. Our results underscore clients’ capacity for procuring food and providing input on pantry policies. The productive conversations facilitated through this process also demonstrate the need for stronger communication between pantry staff and clientele. This article makes a unique contribution to mixed methods research by demonstrating how an integrative research design can support communities of inquiry and participatory research that identifies obstacles faced by low-income households.

The Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) in Southern Kenya\u2013A Study on Status, Distribution, Use and Importance in Taita\u2013Taveta County

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a multipurpose, drought resistant, wild fruit tree, endemic to arid and semi-arid lands of Sub-Saharan Africa. Baobab populations have been showing a lack of regeneration, and therefore causes concern for the species survival. This study investigated the state, distribution and use of baobabs in an under-researched population in Kenya, to identify the potential for further use and development of baobab resources. A baobab population was chosen in Taita–Taveta County, covering a sample area of 2015 km2. A systematic stratified transect survey was done to map baobab distribution using 49 transects (0.5 × 3 km each). The diameter at breast height and other indicators were measured on all baobabs in the transects to assess population status and health. A household survey (n = 46) and focus group discussions (n = 12) were done following the transect survey to gain an idea on the uses and distribution of baobab. In total, 432 baobab trees were measured and recorded in the research area of 2015 km2. The baobabs grew in two clusters (i.e., areas with a baobab density of ≥0.08 baobabs/ha). Both clusters showed rejuvenating populations. The main factors identified by the respondents, positively and negatively influencing baobab distribution were environmental factors, wildlife, human impact and commercial value. The study area shows a great potential for baobab to become an important part of the diet, due to its current use as an emergency food during food scarce times, and the relatively healthy and stable rejuvenating populations.

COVID-19: socio-environmental challenges of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

Multifaceted international and national collaborative responses and progress have sustained the world’s largest densely populated refugee camps in the Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh. Yet, the Rohingyas remain in an extremely precarious situation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The refugees are living in highly challenging circumstances of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), natural disasters of the monsoon season as well as existing health and educational challenges of HIV, malnutrition and other diseases. Particulate matter PM2.5 in the sampling camps varied from 44 μg/m3 to 546 μg/m3, whereas PM10 in the sampling camps varied from 125 μg/m3 to 1122 μg/m3. Due to lock-down of Cox’s Bazar, aid workers in and out of the camps were restrained with the only continuation of emergency food and medical service supplies. Largely dependent on aid during the ongoing pandemic, an investigation of the socio-environmental challenges of the refugee camps will identify the anticipatory impacts and needs.

Effects of Twenty Years of Ungulate Browsing on Forest Regeneration at Paneveggio Reserve, Italy

Forest ecosystems are threatened by different natural disturbances. Among them, the irruption of large herbivores represents one of the most alarming issues. Several local-scale studies have been carried out to clarify the mechanisms governing ungulate–forest interactions, to understand the effect of wild ungulates overabundance, and to apply conservation plans. However, information at large scales, over long periods of observation and from unmanipulated conditions is still scarce. This study aims to improve our knowledge in this field by using repeated inventories to investigate: the types of damage produced by ungulate populations on young trees, the drivers that stimulate browsing activity and its consequences on the specific composition of seedlings and saplings. To reach these goals, we used data collected during a twenty-year monitoring program (1994–2014) in the forests of Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Nature Park (Italy). We applied descriptive statistics to summarize the data, GLMs to identify the drivers of browsing activity and Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (nMDS) ordinations to investigate the changes in specific composition of young trees across 20 years. We detected increasing browsing activity from 1994 to 2008 and a decline in 2014. Ungulates browsed preferentially in mature stands, and fed mostly on seedlings and saplings under 150 cm of height. The analysis of the environmental drivers of browsing pressure on the smallest size classes of plants suggests that foraging behavior is influenced by snowpack conditions, ungulate density and seasonality. Moreover, results underline the fact that ungulates feed mostly on palatable species, especially European rowan, but can also use unpalatable plants as emergency food under high competition levels. nMDS results suggest that rowan seed dispersion might be promoted by deer movements, however, saplings of this species were not able to exceed 30 cm of height because of heavy browsing. This bottleneck effect led to the dominance of unpalatable species, mostly Norway spruce, reducing diversity during forest regeneration. If prolonged, this effect could lead to a reduction of tree species richness, with cascading effects on many parts of the ecosystem, and threatening the resilience of the forest to future disturbances.

Personnel Training Course for Businesses Regarding the Response to Stranded Persons Focusing on Vulnerable People from the Perspective of Business Continuity.

Businesses in urban areas have been required to accommodate stranded persons as temporary evacuation facilities during disasters. Regarding measures aimed at aiding stranded persons, aspects such as trust and the image of the business need to be considered. Therefore, in this study, a personnel training course was developed to smoothly take in stranded persons, and the outcomes of this training were evaluated by quizzes, entry sheets, and a questionnaire. This was a two-day and one-night course characterized by the use of role-play in which 20 participants experienced the series of processes that unfold during disasters, playing either the role of a stranded person or a facility member. This training included emergency food provision using real stockpiled food and accommodation training using actual bedding stored in a model facility. After the review, when the participants were taught the correct response for vulnerable people, their scores in the test regarding the points of caution in vulnerable people were significantly higher than those prior to the course, confirming that participants had acquired knowledge as a result. Furthermore, through training using real food and accommodation, the participants were able to understand victims’ requirements by experiencing the need for satisfactory emergency rations and comfortable bedding.

Examining the Food Security Status, Weight, and Sociodemographic Factors of Pantry Clients

Abstract Objectives To examine the relationship between food security, weight, and sociodemographic factors of food pantry clients. Methods A cross-sectional study with clients from the largest food pantry in Alaska. Recruitment was February - March of 2018 over different times of the day, week, and month. A total of 148 clients filled out a sociodemographic questionnaire and the U.S. Adult Food Security Survey Module. Results Over half of the participants were over the age of 55 years (50.4%), were female (60%), not married or living with a partner (67%), and were a high school graduate/equivalent (72%). The main ethnic populations were Caucasian (37.8%), Alaska Native/American Indian (25.7%), and Asian/Pacific Islander (12.8%). The majority of participants were either overweight (31%) or obese (39%). Most were employed at least part time (72%), had an annual income of less than $25,000 per year (59%), and visited the food pantry monthly (65%). Over 88% % of participants were food insecure (45% low food security and 43% very low food security). Chi-square and a multivariate logistic regression determined associations between sociodemographic characteristics and stratified food security status or weight category. Analyses were performed using SPSS with a P-value of &amp;lt;/=0.05, although no significant associations were found. Despite the non-significant findings, the pantry has made changes to aid in the high rates of food insecurity and obesity. The pantry is now providing information to their clients for other emergency food provisions across town. Staff have moved the nutrient-rich foods to eye level to encourage healthy choices. A table for extra produce is available where clients can chose up to double their allowable amounts. A limit has been set on the desserts to reduce the amount of sugar. The pantry is seeking donated foods that are high in fiber and low in sugar. Conclusions Food insecurity among food pantry clients is high at 88%, compared to the local rate of 12.3%. However, clients’ weight and food security status were not associated and by continuing to provide emergency food assistance while not addressing underlying causes of food insecurity or obesogenic factors, rates will likely not improve. Funding Sources A grant from the Center for Community Engagement and Learning at the local University.

Exploring Undergraduate Indigenous Students’ Experiences with Institutional and Community Food Systems in a Canadian Urban Setting

Abstract Objectives Due to the high prevalence rates of food insecurity among university students and Indigenous Peoples in Canada, a qualitative study was designed to investigate the experiences of self-identified Indigenous students accessing local food environments. Research objectives included: 1) exploring undergraduate Indigenous students' experiences with institutional and community food systems in an urban setting; and 2) examining programs in place or in development on and off-campus that address circumstances of food insecurity and the needs of Indigenous students. Methods Data collection included face-to-face semi-structured interviews with eight students who self-identified as First Nations, Inuit or Métis. A focus group was conducted with four service providers, including stakeholders from institutional and local urban communities. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Participants identified several themes that were organized into individual, interpersonal organizational and community levels according to the socio-ecological model. Themes included: food and nutrition knowledge, financial capacity, convenience, social influences, campus food environment, cultural and institutional support. A model was also created to represent the results based on the themes from the focus group data. Focus group participants discussed linkages of social support and connectedness to increase Indigenous student access to food systems beyond the parameters of the university institution. Barriers to local food systems for students were lack of awareness of local resources and stigma associated with emergency food assistance. Conclusions Results suggest that Indigenous students are primarily focused on individual food and interpersonal social environments at the university and have limited awareness and exposure to the services available in the wider community and local food environment. Indigenous students and community members require an increased level of organizational and community awareness to support urban Indigenous food security programming across food environments to sustainably address circumstances of food insecurity experienced by Indigenous university students. Funding Sources The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, The University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

0238 Campus Food Pantry Assistance is Related to Better Physical And Mental Health Through Adequate Sleep Among College Students in a Public University System

Abstract Introduction Food insecurity is an issue among students in higher education and has been linked to insufficient sleep, and poor mental and general health. College campuses have quickly responded by establishing campus food pantries. However, the extent to which campus food pantries are ameliorating the impacts of food insecurity is unknown. Methods Online survey data were collected from a cross-sectional sample of 1,855 students who were food pantry users in the 10-campus UC system. Students were asked to report their number of visits to a food pantry in the past month, and to rate their general health, depressive symptoms, and number of days of enough sleep (in a week) before and after food pantry access. Changes in days of enough sleep, depressive symptoms and general health were computed. Demographic characteristics were obtained from institutional data. Path analysis was used to examine direct and indirect pathways from food pantry use to depressive symptoms and general health through enough sleep days, controlling for workstudy receipt, Pell grant receipt and family income. Results Students on average were 21.7 years old (SD= 3.5), and had more days of adequate sleep (25%), and improved depressive symptoms (43%) and general health (31%) after obtaining services from a campus food pantry. An increase in monthly food pantry use was directly related to a decrease in depressive symptoms (β= 0.08, p&amp;lt;0.001) and an increase in general health (β= 0.07, p=0.001). Additionally, an increase in food pantry use related to an increase in getting more days of enough sleep (β=0.07, p=0.001), which in turn positively related to a decrease in depressive symptoms (β=0.18, p&amp;lt;0.001) and improved general health (β=0.24, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion Food pantry use had a positive relationship with student health outcomes, and enough sleep days played an important mediating role. Findings suggest that emergency food access may have a positive impact on student health outcomes. Support This study was funded by the UC Campus Basic Needs Committees.

Effects of the Global Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic on Early Childhood Development: Short- and Long-Term Risks and Mitigating Program and Policy Actions

Effects of the Global Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic on Early Childhood Development: Short- and Long-Term Risks and Mitigating Program and Policy Actions

Accessibility to emergency food systems in south-central Indiana evaluated by spatiotemporal indices of pressure at county and pantry level

Families living in poverty in the United States rely on earnings, federal government programmes, the emergency food system (EFS) and a variety of informal networks to get adequate nutrition. The EFS is a large network of emergency food operations (EFOs) that serve as a supplement both for people receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and for those requiring food aid who do not qualify for government assistance. The static view of the distribution of EFOs across 11 counties in south-central Indiana typically employed by policymakers and non-governmental organizations shows this largely rural area to be well covered. However, when examined by the time of day and day of month that EFOs in the region operate, coverage proves illusory. Here, we map and analyse the spatiotemporal availability of services offered by these EFOs and develop measures of availability of EFOs, dependent on EFO open hours, service area limitations and numbers of food-insecure individuals. This allows policymakers and non-governmental organizations to better gauge the adequacy of the EFS within a given region. Food pantries are part of the emergency food network in the United States, but they are an understudied component of food access. The Pantry Accessibility Index and Individual Accessibility Index developed here allow measurement of the spatiotemporal availability of these services to the food insecure of south-central Indiana.

New measures for access to emergency food

Food banks, food pantries and other emergency food operations are often overlooked in studies of food access. Their availability for patrons should not be expressed in terms of geographic coverage, but rather their capacity and hours of operation.

Food insecurity and food pantry use among transgender and gender non-conforming people in the Southeast United States

BackgroundTransgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people face high rates of poverty, joblessness, and homelessness, rendering this population vulnerable to experiencing food insecurity. Yet, there is almost no empirical evidence concerning food insecurity and the use of local and federal food assistance resources in the TGNC community. Food insecurity, the use of local and Federal food assistance resources, and associations with gender-related minority stressors and resilience using the Gender Minority Stress and Resilience (GMSR) scale among TGNC individuals living in the Southeast United States (U.S.) were documented in this study.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted with TGNC people living in the Southeast U.S. Participants were recruited via targeted Facebook advertisements.ResultsIn total, 105 TGNC people completed the survey; 79% of survey participants experienced food insecurity, 19% utilized Federal, and 22% utilized local food assistance resources. High levels of minority stress and community resilience were reported. The GMSR resilience scale Pride (aOR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.00–1.19, p = .04) was significantly associated with the use of local food pantries, but minority stressors were not. No significant associations were found between GMSR and food security.ConclusionTGNC people living in the Southeast U.S. experienced food insecurity, unstable housing, low wages, and social stigma that were a barrier to using emergency food resources. Multi-level public health solutions that address discriminatory legislative policies and create linkages between TGNC people and local and federal food assistance are required to address issues of food insecurity in the TGNC population.

Association of US Households’ Disaster Preparedness With Socioeconomic Characteristics, Composition, and Region

Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the US government has promoted household disaster preparedness, but preparedness remains low. To identify disparities in disaster preparedness among US households. This cross-sectional study used data from a nationally representative sample of US households from the 2017 American Housing Survey's topical section on preparedness to assess associations of disaster preparedness with households' socioeconomic characteristics, composition, and region. Logistic regressions were used to assess associations of household characteristics with overall preparedness, resource- and action-based preparedness, and specific preparedness items. Data analyses were completed on March 27, 2020. Combined household income, head of household's education level, race/ethnicity, marital status of head of household, head of household aged 65 years or older, presence of children or a household member with a disability, and region. Nine actionable preparedness items, such as having an emergency carry-on kit (resource), food and water stockpiles (resource), and alternative communication plans and meeting locations (action). Items were summed for the measures of overall, resource-based, and action-based preparedness, with preparedness defined as meeting at least half of the criteria. Among 16 725 included households, 9103 household heads were men (54.4%), 11 687 were married (69.9%), and 10 749 (66.1%) had some college education or higher. In all, 1969 household heads (11.8%) were black, while 2696 were Hispanic/Latino (16.1%); 3579 household heads (21.4%) were 65 years or older. A total of 7163 households (42.8%) included children, and 3533 households (21.2%) included a person with a disability. Households were more likely to fulfill at least half of the criteria for resource-based preparedness (10 950 households [65.5%]) than for action-based preparedness (6876 households [41.1%]). Wealthy households and those with household heads aged 65 years or older were more likely to fulfill at least half of resource-based items (wealthy households: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] by logged income, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.13-1.22]; household heads age ≥65 years: aOR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.29-1.55) but less likely to fulfill action-based items (wealthy households: aOR: 0.96 [95% CI, 0.93-0.99]; household heads age ≥65 years: aOR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.84-0.99]). Households with black household heads were more likely to fulfill items directly related to emergencies (carry-on emergency kit: aOR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.14-1.39]; alternative communication plan: aOR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.39-1.72]; alternative meeting location: aOR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.07-1.31]) but less likely to fulfill resource-based items (at least half of resource items: aOR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.80-0.99]). These findings suggest that types of preparedness vary by household characteristics. Targeted strategies are needed to promote preparedness across communities.

Navigating Healthcare Supply Shortages During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cardiologist's Perspective.

Navigating Healthcare Supply Shortages During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cardiologist's Perspective.

Human Trafficking in the Emergency Department: Improving Our Response to a Vulnerable Population.

Human trafficking is a human rights violation affecting millions worldwide. Victims may go unrecognized during their emergency department (ED) visit, and may lose the opportunity to address their complex needs. Using a published toolkit based on existing guidelines and recommendations from experts, and models from other centers, we describe the implementation of an ED response protocol. In following the recommendations of the toolkit, we began with attempts to fully understand the local human trafficking problem and then networked with those working in anti-trafficking efforts. Collaboration with other specialties is highlighted as a key part of this process. Building upon the knowledge gained from these steps, we were able to develop a concise protocol to guide members of our department in more effectively caring for known or suspected victims of human trafficking. The first section of the protocol addresses ways in which providers can identify at-risk patients through both screening questions and general observations. Interviewing techniques are outlined with an emphasis on patient-centered and trauma-informed care. Additionally, the protocol discusses physician responsibility in documenting encounters and legal reporting, which may vary depending on location. We stress the importance of meeting the needs of the patient while prioritizing the safety of all involved. Additionally, the protocol provides a list of resources for the patient beyond medical care such as emergency housing, legal assistance, and food pantries. The overall purpose of this protocol is to provide coordinated response so that all providers may be consistent in caring for this vulnerable population.

Similarity matching of food safety incidents in China: Aspects of rapid emergency response and food safety

Because food safety risks are becoming increasingly complex, food regulators and public health professionals should improve their ability in food safety management process. This study used the Carrado food poisoning incident in China as a case study to assist related managers in food safety assurance. The indicator system was established by extracting the descriptive information about food safety incidents, including ex-ante and ex-post information. In total, 295 food safety incident cases based on the characteristic attributes since 2000 were collected to establish a case database. We applied the algorithms of information entropy and cosine similarity to build the similarity matching model, and determined the degree of similarity between historical cases and the target case using MATLAB. By referring to the experiences of similar historical cases and the food safety accident emergency response plan, the emergency response was made. After the attribute difference analysis between similar historical cases and the target case was performed, the root causes of the target case were found. Finally, preventive measures were suggested. These results may provide a reference for food regulators to make rapid emergency response in the food safety incident and avoid the recurrence of similar incidents.

Gleaner-Farmer Relationships: A Study of Recruitment and Relationship Development

Food loss and waste is a significant issue in the global food system. The agricultural practice of gleaning—recovery and distribution of unharvested produce directly from farms or the recovery of unsold produce from farmers markets—is seen as a multifunctional intervention, with the potential to address food loss, food insecurity, and the reliance of food pantries on processed food. While research has identified food donation and food recovery programs such as gleaning as potential solutions to issues of food loss and food insecurity, more research is needed to examine the actual communicative organizing practices associated with food recovery and gleaning efforts. With the aim of better conceptualizing the role that gleaning organizations might play in improving community food security and alleviating food loss, this study examines how gleaning programs develop and maintain relationships in emergency food systems. Based on 12 semistructured interviews with Vermont gleaning professionals, we aim (1) to describe the relationship between gleaning coordinators and farmers, with a focus on effective communication strategies for initiating and maintaining the relationship; and (2) to determine if participation in gleaning can add value to a farm enterprise. Results demonstrate the importance of farmers’ sense of community responsibility and gleaners’ individualized communication with farmers and knowledge of farming practices to the development and maintenance of gleaning relationships. See the press release for this article.