Food Relief Research Articles

Programs Addressing Food Security for First Nations Peoples: A Scoping Review.

Access to food is a right that every individual must have to ensure a standard of living that is sufficient for maintaining good health and wellbeing. This review, developed and implemented by a team of First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, aimed to scope the literature on programs addressing food security for First Nations peoples in Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Canada, and the United States of America. Collectively, First Nations groups share continued traumas, disadvantages, and devastation brought upon them as a result of British colonisation. Despite the impacts of colonial conquest, the resilience of First Nations peoples continues through the fight for self-determination, sovereignty, equity, and equality. Three databases and grey literature were searched from 2010. Two reviewers completed screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal. Nine food security programs were included in this review. Five were from the United States of America and four from Canada, with no program from Australia or Aotearoa/New Zealand meeting the inclusion criteria. The programs that appear to be most suitable for addressing food security for First Nations peoples were participatory in design, had community governance, integrated cultural knowledge and food systems to increase the accessibility and availability of cultural foods, incorporated educational components, and utilized collaborations among various agencies. Findings showed that while it is important to address short-term emergency food relief, the aim should be sustainable food security through a longer-term system and policy change underpinned by co-designed research and evaluation.

Dietary risk of donated food at an Australian food bank: an audit protocol

BackgroundSufficient, safe and nutritious food is unattainable for many people experiencing severe food insecurity, putting them at dietary risk. Food banks, a growing part of the charitable food system (CFS), are the main source of food relief in developed countries. Donations of surplus, unsalable food from supermarkets, producers and manufacturers is the main source of the food supply, and this can be unpredictable, insufficient and inappropriate. The universal performance indicator of food-banking success is a weight-based measure, complemented by various initiatives to track the nutritional quality of food provided. There is currently no method that assesses the dietary risk of donated food related to nutrition and food safety. This protocol describes a method developed to identify and assess the dietary risk of donated food at an Australian food bank including the type, amount, nutrition quality, and food safety.MethodsAn audit of all food donated to a food bank servicing one Australian state was conducted over five consecutive days in May 2022. The audit process used a mobile device to take photographs of all incoming deliveries to the food bank. The images were manually annotated to document the type of food, product information (brand and product name, variety), the donor’s name, weight (kilograms), and date-marking details. Data was extracted from the photographs and assessed against pre-determined dietary risk criterion for food safety (date marking, damaged packaging, visible food spoilage) and nutrition quality according to the principles of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, and the NOVA classification of level of processing.DiscussionFifteen hundred images were required to assess the dietary risk of 86,050 kg of donated food. There were 72 separate donations, largely from supermarkets and food manufacturers. Data analysis will enable identification of dietary risk, particularly for nutrition quality and food safety. This is important given the absence of food regulation for CFS donations, and the vulnerability of the client group. This protocol highlights the need for more transparency and accountability from food donors, about the food they donate.

Nexus between climate change and environmental social work in Africa

Disasters indiscriminately cause huge global economic losses worth tens of billions of dollars and often result in deaths of millions of people annually. As such, the on-going climate change is the world’s biggest disaster, especially for the most vulnerable African countries that are less economically developed, dependent largely on primary industries, which are predominantly reliant on climate-controlled ecosystems as well as depend on rain-fed agro-based livelihoods characterised by abject poverty. Meanwhile, the social work profession caters for individuals, groups, and communities in responding to fast onset disasters affecting especially the marginalised, poor, and vulnerable. However, social work practice (SWP) seems to be more preoccupied with the outcomes of fast-onset disasters specifically centred on identifying beneficiaries in a bid to provide food relief, social safety nets, safe shelters, and providing psycho-social support to victims and survivors of these disasters than slow onset ones. The SWP seems to be silent about climate change despite corroborated scientific models confirming the increased frequency, magnitude, and severity of future tropical cyclones, floods, and droughts in the future. However, being more curative rather than preventive, contemporary SWP responds primarily to present crises whilst ignoring more serious future disasters. To connect SWP to climate change discourse, a literature review of previous sources of authority was utilised.
 How to reference using ASWNet style:
 Pedzisai E, Charamba S. and Mukurazhizha R. (2023). Nexus between climate change and environmental social work in Africa. African Journal of Social Work, 13(2), 87-99. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i2.5
 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

Investigation of the multidimensional determinants of negative nutrition coping strategies and tradeoffs in adults accessing food relief: A secondary data analysis.

Multidimensional determinants influence negative nutrition coping strategies and tradeoffs in households accessing food relief. This study examined coping strategies and tradeoffs at different levels of food insecurity from individuals accessing food relief and how these behaviors relate to experience-based food insecurity dimensions and subpopulations at risk. A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the Sunshine State Hunger Survey (SSHS) was conducted. The SSHS was a paper-based, 48-question survey, including questions about coping strategies and tradeoffs, use of food assistance programs, and food security. Out of 616 respondents who completed the survey, 73.9% identified as food insecure while 19.1%, as food secure. The average age of participants was 59.6 years and 62.6% were female. One-way analysis of variance indicated increases in negative nutrition coping strategies and tradeoffs with increasing levels of food insecurity status. The most common coping strategy reported by those with very low food security was "Eating less so children or others have enough food," while the most common tradeoff was "Trading off medicine or medical care for food." Two-step cluster analysis identified homogeneous subgroups by behavior and demographic characteristics: (1) late adult worriers, (2) middle adult traders, and (3) middle/late adult copers. Identifying coping strategies and tradeoffs used by participants accessing food relief is a multidimensional approach to addressing determinants of food insecurity. Future research on conceptual pathways is warranted to see if experience-based food insecurity variables help to understand relationships across a continuum, including barriers and influencers.

Screening for eligibility: access and resistance in Istanbul’s food banks

ABSTRACT Introduced in the 2000s as a component of social welfare reforms, the means test determines the eligibility of aid applicants based on previously set income categories. Replacing local committees that decided eligibility, this centralized and digitalized screening process rests on information infrastructures that are mostly invisible. This paper argues that the ways in which applicants contest the outcome of the means test, subvert the eligibility requirements, and go around the screening processes, make visible these otherwise-mostly invisible information infrastructures. Through a discussion of the contestations, subversions, and go-arounds applicants use (not always successfully) to receive emergency food relief from municipal food banks in Istanbul, the paper shows that these information infrastructures not only appear as if they are value-neutral and apolitical, but in so doing, they also serve as useful tools for obscuring who the actual decision makers are.

An agent-based model of COVID-19 dynamics during enhanced community quarantine: Exploring the role of food relief system in the presence of two SARS-CoV-2 variants

IntroductionThe onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic alerted the Philippine government to impose the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as a means to hamper human mobility and interaction and eventually diminish transmission. Due to severe limitations in accessibility to basic needs due to ECQ, the government devised amelioration programs. A year after the declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, variants of concern were detected locally. Consequently, there is a necessity to prepare reinstatement of strict non-pharmaceutical interventions while meeting the food-related basic needs of the population. Studies related to food distribution during a strict community quarantine have been lacking. The importance of allocating provisions during extreme pandemic measures should be properly analyzed, especially when attempts had been made by local government units.MethodsThis study devised an agent-based model (ABM) to observe the effects of the food relief system in mitigating the disease during Davao City ECQ when two variants are present in two adjacent villages. These relief distribution types are as follows: “regular and sufficient,” “regular but insufficient,” and “irregular” relief type. In total, three barangay scenarios were considered.Results and discussionFor the worst-case scenario, wherein a lot of infections are anticipated, the results show that the “irregular” relief type peaked at the highest number of cases, while the “regular and sufficient” relief type showed little to almost no new cases. The compromise-case scenario showed almost no difference between “regular but insufficient” and “regular and sufficient.” For the best-case scenario, the three relief types showed low average infected cases with almost small variance. The model was then compared, situationally, with Davao City barangays during ECQ and recommended which food relief type applies to the barangays. This could serve as a baseline on how food reliefs could be optimally distributed in cases where barangay conditions differently affect and transmit the SARS-CoV-2 virus of different variants with varying transmission rates within a community. Further development of the model should potentially be useful for decision support not only during pandemics but also in contexts where resource allocation to a community is involved.

Perspectives of Food Insecurity and Service Delivery amongst Emergency Food Relief Clients in a Regional City in Victoria, Australia

This cross-sectional study examined the experiences of people accessing Emergency Food Relief (EFR) in the regional city of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, including determinants, impacts of food insecurity, and service delivery recommendations. The forty-one item survey examined demographics, food security status (six-item adult US-Household Food Security Survey Module), food acquisition, use of charitable food services, and self-rated health. Adults n = 100 accessing meal programs and/or EFR services from three EFR organisations in 2018 were surveyed. Ninety-seven percent of participants received government social security payments. Food insecurity prevalence was 92% (USDA-HFSSM 6 item); of these, 63% were experiencing very low food security. Over half (54%) of households with children (n = 26) reported being sometimes unable to feed their children balanced meals and 50% indicated that they were not eating enough. Participants (47%) relied on EFR services for food between one and five years. Poor self-rated dental health was expressed by over 50% of participants and 97% indicated the importance for services to provide healthy food. Food insecurity prevalence was high and chronic among adults receiving EFR services in a large regional Australian city. Recipients’ poor dental health, chronicity of use of services for food assistance, and calls for healthier food suggest more was needed to secure pathways out of food insecurity. The chronicity of reliance on EFR is a concern. The results of this study are likely to be of interest to providers and funders of EFR, policy makers, academics, and client advocates. Whilst the provision of EFR is not a sustainable solution to the problem of food insecurity, scope exists to improve service delivery to uphold principles of dignity, choice, and access to nutritious food. Furthermore, this highlights that the key strategies to mitigate food insecurity lie beyond simply feeding people.

From food to cash relief: How prepared are Uganda’s anti-corruption agencies to counter corruption in Covid-19 cash transfers?

In July 2021, Uganda commenced the disbursement of telephonic cash transfers to the vulnerable urban poor, most adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a policy shift from food relief to cash transfers to the vulnerable. Accountability hurdles had previously beset food relief interventions with allegations that the funds meant for food relief had been misappropriated. Some of these allegations led to the arrest of officials from the Office of the Prime Minister by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. Whereas some of the previous studies have indicated cash transfers by telephone to be less prone to the fraud risks and challenges commonly associated with the bureaucracies of procurement, storage, transportation and distribution of in-kind items, there is also evidence that cash transfers may be susceptible to other risks such as political manipulation, ghost beneficiaries, and kickbacks from the local elites who may seek undue benefit from the cash transfer schemes.

Development of nutrient-based nutritional standards for foodservice at shelters during disasters in the Republic of Korea.

In times of disaster, simplified and minimized nutritional standards are necessary for a quick response to provide nutritious relief food. This study aimed to develop nutrient-based nutritional standards for foodservice at shelters during disasters in the Republic of Korea (South Korea). The standards were developed in 2 phases. First, nutrients to be included in the standards were selected. Initial candidates were selected considering 3 aspects: preceding standards, insufficient intake during disasters, and inadequate intake among South Koreans. Final selection was made by excluding nutrients for 3 reasons: nutrients for which there is no deficiency concern in South Korea, nutrients whose intake data were not available, or nutrients whose values presented by Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans are difficult to achieve based on the current diet among South Koreans. Second, the reference values of energy and the selected nutrients were calculated. The reference values for the entire population who were 1-year-old and over were calculated by multiplying the estimated energy requirements or the recommended nutrient intake and the proportion of each age and sex group. Respective reference values were also calculated for 4 different age groups (1-5, 6-11, 12-64, and ≥ 65-year-old). The standards for the entire population were 2,000 kcal for energy, 55 g for protein, 650 µg retinol activity equivalents for vitamin A, 95 mg for vitamin C, 1.1 mg for thiamin, 1.3 mg for riboflavin, 14 mg niacin equivalents for niacin, 350 µg dietary folate equivalents for folic acid, 750 mg for calcium, and 11 mg for iron. Four additional standards corresponding to each age group were developed. The nutritional standards during disasters were developed for South Korea, including energy and 9 nutrients with reference values for the entire population and 4 different age groups. The standards will contribute to maintaining the health of disaster evacuees in South Korea.

Estimating the potential of spices for mineral provision in a refugee context in East Africa

Micronutrient deficiency remains an enormous problem in refugee settings. Transforming refugees’ food systems through the scaling up of kitchen gardening and fortifying relief food crops with minor food components including nutrient-dense spices can help improve the quality of staple foods. Globally, spices are indispensable in the daily diet and play an important role in the socio-cultural setting of different communities. Forty turmeric and curry powder samples were collected from different market establishments and geographic locations in East Africa. The samples were analyzed for selected elements using Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (PXRF). The contents of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn) and strontium (Sr) in turmeric powder were statistically different among geographic origins (Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda). We also aimed to determine if a small portion of spices (turmeric (5 g) and curry (4 g)) would contribute to an adequate intake (AI) or recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for selected minerals, for refugee men and women aged between 19 and 50 years as defined by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (IOM). For the reference groups, the contributions of turmeric and curry powder to AI/RDA for K, Ca and Zn varied between 0.48 to 4.13%. On the other hand, turmeric was identified to contribute > 20% AI/RDA for refugee men and women aged between 19 and 50 years for two micro minerals: manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe). Considering turmeric and curry powder of East African origins are good sources of minerals and present acceptable toxic metal(loid)s loads coupled with low cost, these spices particularly turmeric should be more widely popularized and recommended for food-to-spice fortification among the refugee population located in East Africa.

App providing psychosocial and educational supports benefits caregivers of children with newly diagnosed food allergies.

Approximately 6 million children in the United States have a diagnosed food allergy, and 32% of caregivers experience significant psychological distress due to the diagnosis. Despite substantial impacts on psychosocial health and quality of life, few interventions aim to help caregivers of newly diagnosed children. There is a clear, unmet need for interventions to address caregiver distress, especially after the initial diagnosis. We developed a mobile psychosocial health intervention, the Food Allergy Symptom Self-Management with Technology (FASST) app. Primary end points were to determine the app's feasibility and caregiver satisfaction. This was a phase II, randomized controlled, implementation study (4-week duration) in caregivers (N = 30) of children ≤ 18 years of age who were newly diagnosed with a food allergy (≤90 days after the diagnosis). Caregivers (n = 20) were randomized to use the FASST app (intervention group) with access to individualized, self-help symptom relief interventions and food allergy support, and educational resources; or to use a limited app with a basic FASST interface and links to a few educational resources (control group [n = 10]). Ten participants (intervention group, n = 5; control group, n = 5) participated in semistructured interviews at week 4. Both groups found the app relatively easy to use. The intervention group scores for safety preparedness during social activities increased by 24%, whereas those in the control group experienced a 1% decline. The intervention group participants increased the use of websites to find food allergy information by 17% at week 4 compared with 4% for the control group. Although the intervention group participants showed greater gains than did those in the control group in their confidence to prepare for and prevent allergic reactions, and greater declines in perceived social limitations, more participants in the control group endorsed confidence in their ability to recognize (11% versus 5%, respectively) and treat (10% versus 6%, respectively) allergic reactions. Analysis of our results suggests that the FASST app may provide a feasible means of delivering psychosocial and educational supports to caregivers of children recently diagnosed with a food allergy.Clinical trial NCT04512924, www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Effects of climate-change variability on livestock production and coping strategies in Maikona, Marsabit County, Kenya

Abstract. Wato M, Koech MK, Maraga JN. 2022. Effects of climate-change variability on livestock production and coping strategies in Maikona, Marsabit County, Kenya. Intl J Trop Drylands 6: 90-102. Climate change is viewed as one of humanity's greatest challenges. This study sought to investigate the coping mechanisms pastoral communities have employed in Maikona Location (Marsabit County, Kenya) and their sustainability. The study employed quantitative and qualitative methods, targeting 145 respondents, including 127 household respondents, 14 Women and Youth group members in FGDs, and 4 technical/NGO representatives. Questionnaires, FGDs, and key informant checklists were the main tools. Data were analyzed both inferentially and descriptively. The study envisioned would give vital information to policy-makers and pastoral development stakeholders on the actual impacts facing the pastoralists and the existing and appropriate coping mechanisms while guiding the interventions and policy options. The study found that there had been real and perceived changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. Field inquiries indicated rainfall patterns significantly changed (94%) between 1980 and 2010, as well as a significantly declining trend of the data from the metrological department. These changes were established to negatively impact livestock production and the livelihood of the community in the study area. The local community was found to seek relief food, buy food on credit and sell livestock assets as common coping strategies. The sustainability of those strategies, however, is in immense doubt since most of the respondents were not even sure of their longevity, while others admitted they might not use them for long. Moreover, most (84%) of the respondents could not tell the consequences of their strategies on the environment. The external supports provided to the communities were largely in response to emergencies and were not viewed as sustainable in the long term. The study recommended constantly sharing rainfall data from the metrological department with the pastoralists to understand the dynamics of rainfall and temperature variations on livestock production and possible coping strategies customized for their situation and advise them on sustainability. The study further recommended the need for long-term support like establishing a livestock market, supporting education through sponsorship, and adopting policies that support mobility instead of sedentarization of the communities.

Food insecurity and the covid pandemic: uneven impacts for food bank systems in Europe.

Over the past few decades, large food banks that collect, warehouse, and redistribute food have become institutionalized across Europe. Although food banks gained increased visibility as important food relief mechanisms during the covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the crisis also highlighted their structural weaknesses and the fragility of the charity-based emergency food system. In particular, many European food banks faced higher costs, lower food stocks, uneven food donations, and lower numbers of volunteers and personnel as demand for food relief increased sharply. Also, many food banks lacked personal health and safety equipment for front-line staff and volunteers, many of whom were vulnerable or aged, thus forcing the closure of some charities due to health concerns. Yet, the impact of the pandemic was uneven across the continent as the covid pandemic strengthened some food banks while others were weakened. To explore these dynamics in detail, this paper utilizes in-depth interviews and surveys of key food bank operators in the Netherlands, Norway, and Greece to analyze how and why European food bank systems fared so differently from the pandemic. In short, the findings in this paper reveal how the Norwegian food bank system leveraged its position to increase fundraising and visibility, while the Netherlands food bank system suffered from long-term structural weaknesses, and the Greek food bank system was further embroiled in government tensions that threatened its existence. The preexisting structure of food bank systems, broader political economy, and historical context significantly impacted how food relief networks fared during the pandemic.

“My quality of life was not the best” experiences of Australians during the COVID pandemic

Abstract Background The social and economic impacts that have occurred during the pandemic can disproportionally affect those already experiencing poverty. The social determinants of health aggravate inequalities and can adversely affect wellbeing. This study aims to gain rich insight into Australian adults’ experiences of the social determinants of health and the impact on their wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A descriptive qualitative study using purposive sampling to recruit participants for semi-structured interviews, conducted via videoconferencing between March-August 2021. Thematic analysis was performed with the support of NVivo 12. Results Participants included 20 Australian adults from various socioeconomic areas ranging in age from 21 to 65 years. Three main themes emerged from the analysis of the data: Food-related concerns; Housing outcomes; and Psychological and emotional impact. Accessing food, during the COVID-19 pandemic, for most participants who resided in low socioeconomic areas, was described as stressful and challenging. Along with the burden of food security, many participants from low socioeconomic areas expressed emotional distress in relation to securing and maintaining adequate housing. Conclusions The pandemic has amplified existing social determinants of health experienced by those within low socioeconomic areas, particularly those who are female and from migrant communities. The wellbeing of participants from low socioeconomic areas decreased in response to their experiences and challenges with food insecurity and housing instability, highlighting the need for housing affordability strategies and funding of emergency food relief initiatives. Food access for those in areas with high socioeconomic disadvantage, can be improved to address some of the barriers associated with food security by providing supermarket meal vouchers, access to community gardens, and school food programs. Key messages • The housing and food insecurity experienced by participants in this study during the pandemic has influenced their overall wellbeing. • The pandemic has amplified existing social determinants of health experienced by those in low socioeconomic areas.

Exploring the impacts of a fresh produce market program: a realist economic evaluation

ObjectiveTo determine the contexts under which a fresh food market program is cost‐effective in improving dignified access to nutritious food for food‐insecure individuals. MethodsA realist economic evaluation was employed. Purported cost related theories about how the program may function, known as context‐mechanism‐outcome configurations were developed. In‐depth interviews with key stakeholders (program developers, funder, local food relief agencies, volunteers) involved in the program (n=19) as well Photovoice with focus groups with market attendees (n=8) were conducted and coded for contexts, mechanisms and outcomes. A cost‐effectiveness analysis of the program was calculated whereby the cost inputs associated with operating the program were compared to the quantity and value of produce distributed. Alternative cost scenarios were evaluated in a sensitivity analysis. The cost‐effectiveness analysis was used together with qualitative data to refine theory. ResultsFood insecure individuals attending a partnership fresh food market with a small fee, experienced improved, yet infrequent access to nutritious food through community connections and support a more dignified, viable access to fresh nutritious food. ConclusionsFood relief should consider alternative models. Implications for public healthMore dignified food relief programs that support local connections may be part of the solution to addressing food insecurity.

The international humanitarian response to famine in Tigray, Ethiopia:lessons from the Nigerian Civil War, 1967-1970

ABSTRACT The Tigray crisis in Ethiopia is a grave humanitarian catastrophe with causes and consequences that resemble the Nigerian Civil War that ended with the defeat of secessionist Biafra five decades ago. As in the Biafra example, an ethnically distinct and embattled enclave is surrounded by hostile forces and cut off from commerce of any kind, producing starvation, forced migrant encampments, and pervasive dependence on externally provided food relief. Relief action strategies developed during the Nigerian Civil War were comprised of operational components that were often insufficiently integrated into a unified system for nutritional screening, referral, acute care, nutritional rehabilitation, and team deployment. This lack of strategic integration for post-conflict relief actions merits review for possible lessons that could avert its recurrence in Tigray. If evidence-based systems for relief organization had been comprehensively applied in Biafra, the pace of post-conflict nutritional recovery could have been accelerated. Although component strategies of the Biafra-Nigeria Relief Action are being replicated by various agencies that are providing humanitarian assistance in Tigray, their collective impact could be enhanced if these strategies were integrated into a unified, evidence-driven systems response to the emergency. The elements of such a systems approach for assisting Tigray are reviewed.

CASE MANAGEMENT AND RESILIENCE OF ADOLESCENTS LIVING WITH HIV IN KIBRA SUB-COUNTY, NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose: This study sought to examine the influence of case management on the resilience of adolescents living with HIV in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya. Mainly, the study aimed to assess the effect of the healthy domain, safe domain, schooled domain, and stable domain interventions on the resilience of adolescents living with HIV in Kibra Sub-County.
 Methodology: The study was anchored on Resilience Theory, Empowerment Theory, and Case Management Model and adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design. The study used a sample size of 165 adolescents living with HIV aged between 10-19 years and 16 key informants. A stratified sampling technique was used to select adolescents living with HIV, while key informants were selected through a purposive sampling technique. The study used questionnaires and interview guides to collect data.
 Findings: It is observed that case management interventions explained 80.0% of the resilience of adolescents living with HIV. More importantly, the study found that healthy domain, safe domain, schooled domain, and stable domain interventions had a positive and significant effect on the resilience of adolescents living with HIV in Kibra Sub-County. The case management interventions contributed significantly to the resilience of adolescents living with HIV in informal settlements. The most significant predictor of resilience was stable domain interventions, followed by schooled domain interventions, safe domain interventions, and healthy domain interventions.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that organizations or facilities dealing with adolescents living with HIV need to strengthen health education training, viral load monitoring, assisted disclosure, and follow-ups and bolster basic counselling, enhanced adherence counseling, and life-skill training. They should also support needy adolescents with sanitary pads and school fees/levies, monitor school attendance, provide relief food support to families experiencing emergencies, and provide career guidance and business and vocational/technical training. The findings contribute significantly to project management since all development projects aim to build the resilience of beneficiaries and enable them to become self-reliant. In order to support the findings that successful case management contributes to higher resilience and improved wellbeing, the researcher invites more research to identify other variables under case management intervention.

Food insecurity during COVID-19: An Australian university experience.

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence, severity, coping strategies and precipitating factors of food insecurity in university students in a large multi‐campus Australian university during the COVID‐19 lockdown in 2020, in context of providing information to inform institutional support. This was a cross‐sectional analysis which was part of a larger university‐led research project, the Thrive@Home study conducted at Monash University during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The main outcome measures included: Sociodemographic characteristics, PROMIS anxiety, PROMIS depression and the six‐item US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module. All variables were reported according to the four levels of food security status (high (H), marginal (M), low (L) and very low (VL)). Chi‐squared tests were used to compare all categorical variables including demographic, mental health and food security status. A multivariable regression was conducted between food security status and mental health variables. Overall, n = 1315 students were included in the analysis. Of which, 5% were classified as having VL food security, 13% L, 14% M and 68% H. As food security worsened the likelihood of being unemployed looking for work, living alone and deteriorating physical health, diet quality and mental health increased. As food security status deteriorated the prevalence of needing to ask family or friends for food, shopping at multiple outlets for discounts, accessing emergency food relief, subsidised meals and financial assistance from organisations increased (p < 0.002). In regression models adjusting for covariates, depression (b (95%CI): VL = 7.2(4.1–10.3), L = 3.7(1.7–5.7), M = 2.0(0.1–3.8)) and anxiety (VL = 7.4(4.5–10.4), L = 3.5(1.5–5.4) and M = 2.0(0.3–3.8)) were positively associated with worsening food security. Food insecurity during COVID‐19 was associated with worsening mental health. This paper provides targets for future university‐led initiatives to promote student food security and supporting better access to physical and mental health services.

Social Policy Responses to Covid-19 in the Global South: Evidence from 36 Countries

The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted manifold social policy responses all around the world. This article presents the findings of a meta-analysis of thirty-six in-depth country reports on early Covid-19 social policy responses in the Global South. The analysis shows that social policy responses during the early phase of the pandemic have been predominantly focused on expanding temporary and targeted benefits. In terms of policy areas, next to labour market and social assistance measures, the focus has also been on unconventional social policy instruments. The social policy responses of developing economies were often rudimentary, focusing on cash transfers and food relief, and heavily relied on external funding. In contrast, many emerging economies introduced a much broader array of social policies and were less reliant on external support.

PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF GRAIN SAMPLES FROM STRATEGIC GRAIN RESERVE FACILITIES IN NIGERIA

This study aims at evaluating the basic nutritional food value of grains from strategic grain reserve facilities in Nigeria. Of the twenty-two samples analysed, red maize from Lagos State has the highest protein content of 11.84±0.28% followed by millet from Gombe State (10.64±0.60%) and red maize from Minna in Niger State (10.42±0.66%). The protein content for all samples is found to be in the range of 23.92±1.3 to 8.40±0.59%. The carbohydrate content range is 73.87±0.33 to 53.97±3.19%, fat range is 4.87±1.56 to 1.47±0.49%, Crude Fibre range is 4.36±0.47 to 1.59±0.01%, ash content range is 3.56±0.11 to 1.21±0.30 and Moisture content range is 17.23±0.50 to 10.33±0.37. All maize, sorghum and millet samples were found to contain appreciable levels of carbohydrate, while the cowpea samples have high levels of protein. From the analysis, the grain samples were found to meet the minimum requirement for the different nutrient content (essential composition and quality factors) for which they were analysed, as spelt out in International Food Standards by WHO and FAO in CODEX Alimentarius and thus recommended fit for use as first line of food relief within the country, to assist friendly countries in times of pandemics, disaster and to make food accessible at other times at affordable prices in line with the vision for instituting the strategic grain reserve facilities in different states of Nigeria.