Nutrients

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19 pages, 895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing and Testing a User-Focused, Web GIS-Based Food Asset Map for an Under-Resourced Community in Northeastern Connecticut

by Xiran Chen, Manije Darooghegi Mofrad, Sydney Clements, Kate Killion, Thess Johnson, Xiang Chen, Donna Zigmont, Daniela C. Avelino, Brenda Lituma-Solis, Michael J. Puglisi, Valerie B. Duffy and Ock K. Chun

Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050911 - 6 Mar 2025

Viewed by 677

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Access to healthy and affordable food remains a challenge for under-resourced communities due to uneven food distribution and the need for reliable transportation. This study developed and evaluated an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS)-based food asset map for a low-income community in [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Access to healthy and affordable food remains a challenge for under-resourced communities due to uneven food distribution and the need for reliable transportation. This study developed and evaluated an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS)-based food asset map for a low-income community in Windham, Connecticut to improve awareness of food resources and expand opportunities for fresh food access. Methods: Using the human-centered design (HCD) framework and the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model, the map integrates food locations, transportation routes, and assistance eligibility. Internal pilot testing (n = 8) identified usability issues, leading to updates such as mobile compatibility and user guides. Usability testing (n = 74) assessed navigation performance and user feedback through task-based evaluations and surveys. Categorical map usability, sociodemographic, diet, and health characteristics were tested for participants with food security (yes/no) or digital literacy (passed/failed). Results: Food-secure participants showed higher usability success than food-insecure individuals (p < 0.05), while those relying on food assistance faced greater challenges (p < 0.05). Individuals rating their diet as “very good/excellent” were most likely to pass the map usability testing (p < 0.05), whereas younger, college-educated, employed participants and those with vehicles trended toward passing (p < 0.1). Participants generally reported the map easy to navigate, especially those with food security. Conclusions: The asset map promotes food resource awareness and addresses barriers such as limited public transportation information. Additional efforts are needed to support food-insecure users in utilizing digital food access resources. This study contributes to initiatives to improve food access, digital inclusion, and community engagement in under-resourced communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

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14 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Building Healthier Communities in the Workplace: The Impact of a Year-Long Lifestyle Intervention on Food Access, Quality of Life, and Health Metrics

by Orit Afumado Yona, Mona Boaz, Shir Ben-Yaish and Vered Kaufman-Shriqui

Nutrients 2025, 17(4), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17040637 - 11 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1177

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The present study assessed the impact of a year-long community-engaged lifestyle intervention to improve healthy food access, anthropometric measures, and quality of life among factory workers. Methods: A total of 80 workers aged 20–65 participated in this quasi-experimental pre–post intervention with nine [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: The present study assessed the impact of a year-long community-engaged lifestyle intervention to improve healthy food access, anthropometric measures, and quality of life among factory workers. Methods: A total of 80 workers aged 20–65 participated in this quasi-experimental pre–post intervention with nine dietitian-led sessions, weekly physical activity classes, and adjustments to the factory food menu. Volunteer health leaders from the workforce played a pivotal role as project stakeholders, promoting the initiative, liaising with the food supplier, advocating for physical activity hours with management, and supporting activity dissemination. Data were collected at baseline, four months, and one year, including weight, waist circumference, dietary intake, physical activity, and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire). Results: Waist circumference significantly decreased after 4 and 12 months. Regression models showed that each additional year of age correlated with a 0.72 cm reduction, while over 150 min of weekly physical activity was associated with a 6.58 cm decrease. The mental health component of the quality of life scores improved from 73.1 ± 18.5 to 78.7 ± 17.6 (p = 0.017), alongside reductions in sugar and sodium intake. The intervention cost ILS 4875 (EUR 1314 or USD 1369) per employee annually. Conclusions: This community-engaged, dietitian-led intervention significantly improved factory workers’ health and well-being, providing a cost-effective solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

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20 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Enablers of and Barriers to a Fruit and Vegetable Voucher Scheme in England: Insights from the Fresh Street Community Feasibility Study

by Jiang Pan, Clare Relton, Lisa Howard, Paridhi Garg, Manik Puranik, Michelle Thomas, Jane Bradbeer, Rachel Sutton, Carol Wagstaff and Clare Pettinger

Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030483 - 29 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1000

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Many deprived communities in the UK have low fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, leading to poor health outcomes. Fresh Street is a place-based voucher approach that enables households to buy FV from local independent suppliers. Fresh Street Community embeds this approach within [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Many deprived communities in the UK have low fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, leading to poor health outcomes. Fresh Street is a place-based voucher approach that enables households to buy FV from local independent suppliers. Fresh Street Community embeds this approach within community hubs, thus enabling households to use vouchers to purchase FV from community centres. This paper explores the enablers and barriers influencing the uptake of Fresh Street Community in two UK urban areas of high deprivation. Methods: This three-phase exploratory qualitative study was informed by ‘co-production’ with community researchers at both sites: (1) literature review and observations identifying enablers and barriers in FV voucher schemes; (2) semi-structured interviews and focus groups with the research team and community food researchers to ‘validate’ the factors identified in phase 1 and to develop explanatory narratives for these factors; and (3) participatory and thematic analysis of the enablers and barriers to finalise the identified factors. Results: A total of ten enablers and sixteen barriers were validated across both sites. However, differences in local contexts and operational procedures impacted future FV voucher scheme implementation. The important role of community food researchers to engage participants and support the synthesis of findings is also presented. Conclusions: This study offers practical and critical insights for researchers, community food researchers, and practitioners on factors that influence a community centre-based FV voucher scheme to address nutritional inequalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

14 pages, 403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community-Engaged Approach to Improve Food Access and Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables in a Rural Appalachian Community

by Courtney T. Luecking, Makenzie Barr-Porter, Dawn Brewer and Kathryn M. Cardarelli

Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030431 - 24 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1018

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Community–academic partnerships offer unique opportunities to leverage expertise and resources to modify structural factors that address community priorities. However, few in-depth examples of successful partnerships in rural communities to improve food security are available. This manuscript describes the process of building [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Community–academic partnerships offer unique opportunities to leverage expertise and resources to modify structural factors that address community priorities. However, few in-depth examples of successful partnerships in rural communities to improve food security are available. This manuscript describes the process of building a partnership to reduce food insecurity in a rural Kentucky community. Methods: The research team worked with Cooperative Extension to form a community advisory board (CAB) representative of diverse sectors of the community who had interest in food security, agriculture, and/or nutrition. The CAB convened regularly, in-person or virtually, to review community assessment information and identify, select, and adapt relevant multi-level interventions. CAB members were invited to complete two surveys and participate in a listening session to provide feedback on working with academic partners. Results: Over the first two years of the project, 17 people served on the CAB. Early in the project, the CAB prioritized interventions for working families, relatives raising children, and lower income households. Some ideas were able to come to fruition (e.g., family cooking social classes, raised garden beds), while others were explored but were unable to gain momentum (e.g., mobile market) due to challenges with feasibility, organizational capacity, and/or interest. CAB members reported high engagement and strong communication between community and academic partners. Conclusions: Full exploration of potential solutions suggested by CABs may build trust between community and academic partners and could provide a strategic selection process for multi-level, evidence-based interventions deemed feasible for addressing complex issues such as food insecurity and nutritional health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

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19 pages, 731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Role of Social Isolation in the Relationship Between Food Insecurity, Depressive Symptoms, and Resource Use Among Midwestern Rural Veterans in the U.S.

by Mwiza A. Uwashimimana, Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, Douglas A. Sneddon, Jake Newton and Heather A. Eicher-Miller

Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020318 - 16 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1058

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The study’s objective was to determine whether social isolation serves as a mediator in the cross-sectional relationship between food insecurity, both as a short-term and longer-term situation, with resource use and depressive symptoms as outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional design study utilized secondary [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: The study’s objective was to determine whether social isolation serves as a mediator in the cross-sectional relationship between food insecurity, both as a short-term and longer-term situation, with resource use and depressive symptoms as outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional design study utilized secondary survey data, including 30-day and 12-month food security measured by the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. The Baron–Kenny mediation approach was used to determine whether social isolation mediated the relationship between food security, depressive symptoms, and resource use (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Social isolation mediates the association between both 30-day and 12-month food security with depressive symptoms but not resource use. Conclusions: Acknowledging and targeting social isolation, policies, and interventions that integrate peer support and community outreach to promote food security could support rural veterans food security and mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

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14 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Asset-Based Examination of Contextual Factors Influencing Nutrition Security: The Case of Rural Northern New England

by Claire H. Ryan, Caitlin Morgan, Jonathan G. Malacarne and Emily H. Belarmino

Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020295 - 15 Jan 2025

Viewed by 934

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Rural communities face a disproportionate burden in terms of diet-related health challenges and have been identified as a target for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s nutrition security initiatives. In this paper, we adopt an asset-based approach and use the Community Capitals Framework [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Rural communities face a disproportionate burden in terms of diet-related health challenges and have been identified as a target for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s nutrition security initiatives. In this paper, we adopt an asset-based approach and use the Community Capitals Framework to examine the characteristics that support nutrition security in rural communities, using rural northern New England as a case study. Methods: We conducted focus groups and interviews with 32 food and nutrition professionals in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont in 2023 and 2024 to explore the contextual factors that influence nutrition security in rural communities. We coded the data for community assets and mapped the identified assets into the seven dimensions of the Community Capitals Framework: built capital, cultural capital, financial capital, human capital, natural capital, political capital, and social capital. Results: The participants described assets in all dimensions of the Community Capitals Framework except built capital. The specific assets discussed were related to local food production (natural and cultural capital), coordination between food system stakeholders and strong social networks (human and social capital), regional political commitments to food security and nutrition (political capital), and the strong seasonal tourist economy present in some communities (financial capital). Conclusions: Rural communities remain under-studied in the literature regarding nutrition, and little is known about how to advance healthful eating in rural contexts. An asset-based approach was helpful for identifying existing resources that enhance rural nutrition security and may provide an opportunity to characterize and disseminate strategies to advance rural health equity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

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10 pages, 215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impacts of Programs and Policies to Address Food Insecurity: An Analysis of Change in Income

by Eva Nelson, Jacqueline Milton Hicks, Lok Hang Kristina Keung, Elizabeth Rhoads, Jemima Mascary and Jacey A. Greece

Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010154 - 31 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1378

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This paper examines hunger over time to analyze how food insecurity is impacted by reduced income, including household funding from the government. Federal policies and community-based programs have the ability to prevent increases in food insecurity, particularly for populations that have risk [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: This paper examines hunger over time to analyze how food insecurity is impacted by reduced income, including household funding from the government. Federal policies and community-based programs have the ability to prevent increases in food insecurity, particularly for populations that have risk factors, such as households with children; single-parent households; low-income households, especially those in rural areas; Black and Hispanic households; and, households experiencing economic hardships. Methods: This study is bas ed on a cross-sectional survey that was administered in 2018 and 2019 to food pantry clients, an already food insecure population accessing resources, in Eastern Massachusetts. Baseline surveys were matched with a 3-month follow-up survey (n = 308) and multinomial logistic mixed effect models were used to analyze the association between change in household hunger and change in household income. Results: This study found that participants who experienced decreased income compared to no income change from baseline to follow-up had 2.16 times the odds (95% CI: 1.05, 4.46) of experiencing increased household hunger compared to no change in hunger from baseline to follow-up, after adjusting for all other covariates. Conclusions: Food insecurity in the United States remained stable during the beginning of COVID-19, despite prevalence of reduced household income. The expanded government benefits that were implemented early in the pandemic contributed to total household income, which prevented increased food insecurity. Increased food insecurity after the removal of benefits starting in 2022 indicates the importance of continuing support established during times when consistent income is compromised to prevent a delayed rise in food insecurity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

13 pages, 575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Nutritional Profile of Publicly Procured Foods for School Meals in Federal Schools in Northeastern Brazil Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

by Wilma Fabiana Ferreira da Silva, Ingrid Wilza Leal Bezerra, Diogo Vale, Antonio Gouveia Oliveira and Larissa Mont’Alverne Jucá Seabra

Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010134 - 31 Dec 2024

Viewed by 930

Abstract

School meals play a critical role in supporting students’ biopsychosocial growth, development, learning, academic performance, and the establishment of healthy eating habits. In public institutions, food procurement is conducted through formal public procurement processes. However, emphasizing cost-effectiveness in bidding criteria, such as prioritizing [...] Read more.

School meals play a critical role in supporting students’ biopsychosocial growth, development, learning, academic performance, and the establishment of healthy eating habits. In public institutions, food procurement is conducted through formal public procurement processes. However, emphasizing cost-effectiveness in bidding criteria, such as prioritizing the lowest product price, may inadvertently encourage the acquisition of foods high in critical nutrients. In Brazil, specific guidelines for public school food procurement have been introduced to improve the nutritional quality of foods included in school menus. Objective: To evaluate the impact of legislative measures and regulations implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic on the nutritional composition of school meals provided by federal high schools in Rio Grande do Norte, located in northeastern Brazil. It also compared the composition and origin of foods procured before and after the pandemic. Methods: This is a longitudinal observational panel study conducted across 20 federal schools. Procurement documents from 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2021 (post-pandemic) were analyzed to assess changes in the nutritional profile of procured foods. Results: Post-pandemic, the procurement of natural and minimally processed and processed foods increased, representing 73.39% and 10.34%, respectively, of the total approved foods. There was also a 39% reduction in ultra-processed foods compared to 2019, in addition to a reduction in culinary ingredients. Additionally, the proportion of foods containing excessive levels of critical nutrients declined. A significant shift was observed in the origin of procured foods, with a notable increase in the purchase of locally sourced items. Conclusions: The findings indicate a positive shift in the nutritional quality of foods procured after the COVID-19 pandemic, with a decrease in ultra-processed food purchases and an increase in the procurement of natural and minimally processed options. Nonetheless, the continued presence of ultra-processed foods and items with excessive critical nutrients highlights the need for further improvements in public procurement practices to fully align with nutritional guidelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

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22 pages, 4788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

City Residents Play a Pivotal Role in Managing Global Food Security While Improving Human Health and Minimizing Environmental Footprints

by Jan-Olof Drangert

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4176; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234176 - 30 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1456

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Improved global data allow for a new understanding of what impact the food we produce, eat and dispose of has on the environment, human health and Nature’s resources. The overall goal is to guide decision-makers and individuals by providing in-depth knowledge about [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Improved global data allow for a new understanding of what impact the food we produce, eat and dispose of has on the environment, human health and Nature’s resources. The overall goal is to guide decision-makers and individuals by providing in-depth knowledge about the effects of their dietary preferences on human and environmental health. Methods: The method is to investigate ways to reduce environmental degradation and to secure healthy food supplies in an urbanizing world, and to quantify the options. Results: Reviewed articles show that by eating less meat-based food and more plant-based and soilless food, as well as reducing food waste and recycling urban-disposed nutrients as fertilizers, we could reduce agriculture’s land requirement by 50% to 70% while still securing a healthy food supply. Less land under cultivation and pasture would reduce global emissions to air and water to a similar extent, and allow Nature to reclaim freed areas in order to catch more carbon and rejuvenate biodiversity. Thus, we could avoid further environmental degradation such as the current clearing of new fields needed under a business-as-usual regime. Presently, some 17 million people die each year due to poor diets, which is more than double the 7 million deaths since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A return to more plant-based diets with unchanged intake of proteins but less calories, sugar, salt and fat combined with less red meat and ultra-processed food would reduce foremost non-communicable diseases by up to 20% and prolong life. The article suggests that the international focus has gradually turned to the food sector’s big contribution to climate change, biodiversity loss and harmful chemicals as well as to poor human health. It argues that this century’s rapid population growth and urbanization give urban residents a pivotal role in food’s impact on agricultural areas, which today cover half of the globe’s inhabitable areas. Their food demand, rather than the activities of farmers, fishermen or loggers, will guide remedial measures to be taken by individuals, industry and the public sector. A tool to calculate the potential environmental footprints of individual or societal measures is presented. Conclusions: Measures to make the agrifood sector more sustainable are still pending full recognition in international fora such as the UN COP Summits. Smart cities fitted with infrastructures to recycle macro- and micro-nutrients and organic matter have the potential to ameliorate human-induced impacts such as emissions to air and water bodies, crossing planetary boundaries, and polluting extraction of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus) and K (potassium). Rapid results are within reach since dietary change and the turn-around time of nutrients in food is short compared to decades or centuries for recycled materials in cars or buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

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18 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Qualitative Analysis of a Home-Delivered Produce Prescription Intervention to Improve Food and Nutrition Security

by Graciela Caraballo, Hemen Muleta, Anar Parmar, Noah Kim, Qadira Ali, Laura Fischer and Kofi Essel

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4010; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234010 - 23 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1680

Abstract

Background/Objective: In total, 17.9% of households with children experienced food insecurity (FI) in 2023. Produce prescription interventions (PRx) are a viable intervention to address FI and improve diet quality. Few studies have explored home-delivered PRxs in children. The objective of this qualitative study [...] Read more.

Background/Objective: In total, 17.9% of households with children experienced food insecurity (FI) in 2023. Produce prescription interventions (PRx) are a viable intervention to address FI and improve diet quality. Few studies have explored home-delivered PRxs in children. The objective of this qualitative study is to explore the experience of a novel PRx among families with young children in households at risk of experiencing FI and diet-related chronic disease. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with caretakers after the completion of a 12-month PRx. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify emergent themes. Univariate descriptive statistics were used to describe baseline demographics. Results: Twenty-five families were enrolled, from which eighteen completed the program and fifteen agreed to participate in an interview. All participants were African American women. The mean age was 30.2 (±6.4) years old, and the median household size was three. Qualitative data analysis revealed three major themes. (1) The produce delivery partially alleviated financial stress, contributing to increased produce consumption patterns; (2) the intervention positively shifted the nutrition- and cooking-related knowledge and behavior of families; and (3) familial and programmatic barriers affected participation and engagement. Conclusions: PRxs are a viable option to support families to lessen the burden of FI from financial hardship and build healthy dietary habits. These insights can inform future PRx program development, delivery, evaluation, and policy or funding decisions. Future research should examine the sustained impact of PRx on healthy eating, health outcomes among caregivers and their children, and the healthcare cost and utilization rates among PRx participants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

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23 pages, 522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Insecurity and Nutritional Inadequacy in Children and Adolescents of Basic Education Schools of Cantagalo District in São Tomé and Príncipe, Central Africa

by Francisca Ferreira, Maria Tavares, Renata Barros, Cláudia Camila Dias, Rita Morais, Madalena Ortigão, Patrícia Padrão, Mónica Rodrigues and Pedro Moreira

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2802; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162802 - 22 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1696

Abstract

Food insecurity (FI) is a critical socioeconomic and public health problem globally, particularly affecting children’s nutritional status and development. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of nutritional inadequacy among children and adolescents in the Cantagalo district of São Tomé and Príncipe [...] Read more.

Food insecurity (FI) is a critical socioeconomic and public health problem globally, particularly affecting children’s nutritional status and development. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of nutritional inadequacy among children and adolescents in the Cantagalo district of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), in Central Africa. It also assessed their households’ FI situation and examined sociodemographic, anthropometric, and nutritional characteristics associated with severe FI. Data included 546 children/adolescents (51.8% males, aged 9–15 years) from the eight public basic education schools. A structured questionnaire provided sociodemographic data, while anthropometric measurements assessed nutritional status. Dietary intake data were gathered using a single 24 h dietary recall, and the adjusted prevalences of nutritional inadequacy were obtained using version 2.0 of the PC-Software for Intake Distribution Estimation (PC-SIDE^®). The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale was used to assess FI, and households were classified as severely or non-severely food insecure. Multivariable binary logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders identified factors related to FI. Children’s/adolescents’ thinness was exhibited in 34.1% of participants, and over 95% had inadequate intake of essential micronutrients, including iron. Notably, 73.7% were severely food insecure. A higher severity of FI was positively associated with a lower intake of iron and certain household head characteristics, such as being female or older, and negatively associated with having a home garden. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

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37 pages, 2016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Healthy Eating Perceptions, Barriers, and Facilitators among Urban Indigenous Peoples in Saskatchewan

by Mojtaba Shafiee, Samer Al-Bazz, Ginny Lane, Michael Szafron and Hassan Vatanparast

Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132006 - 25 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2016

Abstract

Urban Indigenous populations encounter distinctive challenges in maintaining traditional dietary practices, compounded by the complexities of socio-economic and environmental factors and the modern urban lifestyle. This qualitative study explores the perceptions of healthy eating, along with the facilitators and barriers to such practices, [...] Read more.

Urban Indigenous populations encounter distinctive challenges in maintaining traditional dietary practices, compounded by the complexities of socio-economic and environmental factors and the modern urban lifestyle. This qualitative study explores the perceptions of healthy eating, along with the facilitators and barriers to such practices, among urban Indigenous peoples in Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert. Through virtual interviews, we engage 14 participants from these cities. Utilizing NVivo for thematic coding, we apply inductive thematic analysis to reveal relevant themes. The study highlights a preference for nutrient-rich, natural, and minimally processed foods, with a significant emphasis on incorporating traditional Indigenous foods into diets. These preferences are deeply entwined with cultural identity and underscore the importance of traditional foods in maintaining cultural heritage and promoting well-being. Despite the intrinsic value of these traditional foods, participants face several barriers to healthy eating, including economic constraints, limited access to traditional foods, and the psychological impacts of historical trauma. Nevertheless, facilitators such as community and family support, engagement in traditional food practices, and a growing awareness of nutritional knowledge are identified as being crucial in supporting healthy dietary choices. This research underscores the complex interplay of cultural, economic, and environmental factors in shaping the dietary practices of urban Indigenous peoples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

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16 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Quality of Menu Offerings in Independently Owned Restaurants in Baltimore, Maryland: Results from Mixed-Methods Formative Research for the FRESH Trial

by Shuxian Hua, Anna Claire Tucker, Sydney R. Santos, Audrey E. Thomas, Yeeli Mui, Veronica Velez-Burgess, Lisa Poirier, Lawrence J. Cheskin, Mika Matsuzaki, Stacey Williamson, Uriyoan Colon-Ramos and Joel Gittelsohn

Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101524 - 18 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2332

Abstract

(1) Background: Independently owned restaurants (IORs) are prevalent in under-resourced racial and ethnic minority communities in the US and present a unique setting for public health nutrition interventions. (2) Methods: We conducted 14 in-depth interviews with IOR owners in Baltimore about their perceptions [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Independently owned restaurants (IORs) are prevalent in under-resourced racial and ethnic minority communities in the US and present a unique setting for public health nutrition interventions. (2) Methods: We conducted 14 in-depth interviews with IOR owners in Baltimore about their perceptions of healthy food, and customers’ acceptance of healthier menus and cooking methods and concurrent observations of the availability of healthy options on their menus. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Observations were analyzed with statistical analysis performed in R. (3) Results: Owners perceived non-fried options, lean proteins, and plant-based meals as healthy. While open to using healthier cooking fats, they had mixed feelings about reducing salt, adopting non-frying methods for cooking, and adding vegetables and whole grains to the menu, and were reluctant to reduce sugar in recipes and beverages. Only 17.5% of 1019 foods and 27.6% of 174 beverages in these IORs were healthy, with no significant differences in the healthfulness of restaurant offerings within low-healthy-food-access/low-income neighborhoods and those outside. (4) Conclusion: Healthy options are generally scarce in Baltimore’s IORs. Insights from owners inform future interventions to tailor healthy menu offerings that are well-received by customers and feasible for implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

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31 pages, 1061 KiB

Open AccessReview

Factors Associated with Participation in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) among Low-Income Households: A Scoping Review

by Karla L. Hanson, Claire Concepcion and Leah C. Volpe

Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2450; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152450 - 27 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2358

Abstract

Households with limited financial resources often struggle with inadequate access to healthy, affordable food. Community supported agriculture (CSA) has the potential to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables, yet low-income households seldom participate due to cost and other barriers. Cost-offset (or subsidized) [...] Read more.

Households with limited financial resources often struggle with inadequate access to healthy, affordable food. Community supported agriculture (CSA) has the potential to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables, yet low-income households seldom participate due to cost and other barriers. Cost-offset (or subsidized) CSA reduces financial barriers, yet engagement varies widely among those who enroll. This scoping review explored factors associated with CSA participation among low-income households in the United States. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria, quantitative and qualitative data were extracted, the evidence was synthesized, and themes were developed. The findings suggested that women may be more likely than men to enroll in CSA. A lack of familiarity with CSA may hinder enrollment, whereas more education and self-efficacy for food preparation may facilitate participation. In terms of share contents, high-quality produce, a variety of items, more fruit, a choice of share contents, and a choice of share sizes may facilitate participation. In terms of CSA operations, a low price, good value, acceptance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, close pick-up locations on existing travel routes, delivery of shares, clear communication, fostering a sense of belonging and trust, and educational support may support participation. Together these findings support 13 recommendations for cost-offset CSA implementation to engage low-income households. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community-Engaged Strategies to Improve Food Access, Food Security, and Health Outcomes)

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