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Nutrients
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Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health
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Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 60047

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Alexandra E. van den Berg

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
UTHealth School of Public Health, Austin Campus, Austin, TX, USA
Interests: food insecurity; healthy food access; health disparities; sustainable food systems; social determinants of health
Dr. Kathryn M. Janda

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
UTHealth School of Public Health, Austin Campus, Austin, TX, USA
Interests: food insecurity; healthy food access; health disparities; mixed methods; geospatial analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Food insecurity is a key social determinant of health, co-existing with multiple markers of poverty and associated with a variety of diet-related chronic conditions. Although the prevalence of food insecurity has declined slowly over the previous decade, there were sharp increases during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the percentage of people in the world affected by hunger increasing from 8.4 percent in 2019 to 9.9 percent in 2020, which translates to an estimated 768 million people. Certain population groups are at greater risk for becoming food insecure and more research focused on examining the causes and consequences of food insecurity are warranted. In addition, the food system has a direct impact on food insecurity and there is a need for more research to examine this relationship and ways to create more sustainable food systems in order to ensure future food security. For this Special Issue, we invite research manuscripts that: 1) examine risk factors for food insecurity, 2) explore the influence of food insecurity on nutrition related behaviors and other health behaviors, 3) evaluate the impact of interventions focused on reducing food insecurity, and 4) examine the relationships among food systems, food security, and public health.

Prof. Dr. Alexandra E. van den Berg
Dr. Kathryn M. Janda
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • food insecurity
  • nutrition security
  • food systems, diet quality
  • food purchasing behaviors
  • food consumption patterns
  • sustainability
  • impact
  • interventions

Published Papers (16 papers)

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15 pages, 1385 KiB  
Article
Five U.S. Dietary Patterns and Their Relationship to Land Use, Water Use, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Implications for Future Food Security
by Rose Jennings, Andrew D. Henderson, Alexis Phelps, Kathryn M. Janda and Alexandra E. van den Berg
Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 215; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15010215 - 01 Jan 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 12882
Abstract
The U.S. agri-food system is a driver of climate change and other impacts. In order to achieve environmental targets that limit global mean temperature rise ≤2 °C, a shift in American dietary patterns is critical. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) [...] Read more.
The U.S. agri-food system is a driver of climate change and other impacts. In order to achieve environmental targets that limit global mean temperature rise ≤2 °C, a shift in American dietary patterns is critical. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine the environmental impact (i.e., land use, water use, and GHG emissions) related to consumption of five U.S. dietary patterns (i.e., Current U.S., the Healthy U.S., Mediterranean, Healthy Vegetarian, and Vegan), and (2) to determine the specific impact of each food group in each dietary pattern on the three environmental indicators. This study utilized existing datasets to synthesize information related to the study’s environmental indicators and food production and connected these data to the current U.S. diet and the USDA-defined diets. Results indicate that the three omnivore diets contributed the greatest to GHG emissions, land use and water use. The Vegan diet scored the lowest across all indicators, although the water required for plant-based protein nearly offset other water gains. For the omnivore diets, red meat and dairy milk contributed the most to each environmental indicator. By considering sustainability as well as health outcomes in their recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines, the USDA can have a critical role in shifting diets necessary to alter climate change trends. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
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15 pages, 323 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding CalFresh Participation in University Students
by Brittany M. Loofbourrow, Anna M. Jones, Gwen M. Chodur, Suzanna M. Martinez, Leslie C. Kemp and Rachel E. Scherr
Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15010192 - 30 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2538
Abstract
Objective: (1) Identify demographic and academic differences among university students who are food secure or food insecure and (2) explore CalFresh knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) among university students. Design: A questionnaire, including the 10-item USDA Adult Food Security Survey Module, CalFresh KAPs, [...] Read more.
Objective: (1) Identify demographic and academic differences among university students who are food secure or food insecure and (2) explore CalFresh knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) among university students. Design: A questionnaire, including the 10-item USDA Adult Food Security Survey Module, CalFresh KAPs, and student factors was distributed in Winter 2020 to 10,000 university students. Chi-square test of independence, logistic and linear regressions were used to assess associations between food-secure status and student factors. Exploratory factor analysis determined factors relating to CalFresh KAPs. Kendall’s tau assessed association between CalFresh KAPs factors. Setting: A public research university in California. Participants: Enrolled undergraduate and graduate/professional students (n = 10,000). 1535 responses with 1408 included in analysis for having complete data. Results: Food insecurity was associated with: race/ethnicity (Latino/a, OR = 1.97; p < 0.001); first-generation status (OR = 2.01; p < 0.001); and transfer status (OR = 1.58; p = 0.01). Exploratory factor analysis identified five factors related to CalFresh knowledge and attitudes: (1) CalFresh knowledge, (2) Positive attitudes around participating in CalFresh, (3) Negative attitudes around participating in CalFresh, (4) Negative attitudes around others participating in CalFresh, and (5) Fortunate attitudes for not participating in CalFresh. CalFresh knowledge was correlated with positive attitudes towards CalFresh participation (τb = 0.15, p = 0.025); negative attitudes towards other individuals’ CalFresh participation (τb = −0.28, p < 0.001); feeling fortunate for not needing CalFresh (τb = 0.12, p = 0.004); and CalFresh participation OR = 1.40; p = 0.02). Conclusions: CalFresh knowledge may influence program participation. Populations who are most impacted by food insecurity should be a focus for improving CalFresh knowledge to promote CalFresh participation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
13 pages, 305 KiB  
Article
Association between Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Purchasing Behaviors, Food Insecurity Status and Geographic Food Access among a Lower-Income, Racially/Ethnically Diverse Cohort in Central Texas
by Kathryn M. Janda, Nalini Ranjit, Deborah Salvo, Aida Nielsen, Catherine Kaliszewski, Deanna M. Hoelscher and Alexandra E. van den Berg
Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5149; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14235149 - 03 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2300
Abstract
The aims of this study were to determine if fresh fruit and vegetable consumption and purchasing behaviors were associated with geographic food access and/or food insecurity status, and to explore the role of sociodemographic characteristics among participants of a lower-income, racially/ethnically diverse cohort. [...] Read more.
The aims of this study were to determine if fresh fruit and vegetable consumption and purchasing behaviors were associated with geographic food access and/or food insecurity status, and to explore the role of sociodemographic characteristics among participants of a lower-income, racially/ethnically diverse cohort. This study used a cross-sectional design and baseline survey data from the FRESH-Austin study (N = 393). Associations between fresh produce consumption/purchasing and food insecurity status and geographic access to food were assessed utilizing univariate, bivariate, and multivariate linear regression methods and potential interactions were examined. The sample 40% reported being food insecure and the majority identified as Hispanic. Geographic food access was directly associated with fresh produce consumption (β = 0.46, p = 0.02); however, the directionality of the relationship between food insecurity and fresh produce consumption varied due to a significant interaction with race/ethnicity. Only utilizing food assistance was associated with purchasing fewer fresh produce (β= −1.83, p = 0.03). Findings suggest that communities experience food insecurity and limited healthy food access in different ways, and in some situations, are associated with fresh produce consumption and purchasing behaviors. Future research adopting an intersectionality-sensitive approach to better understand how to best support communities at risk is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
11 pages, 421 KiB  
Article
The Diet Quality of Food-Insecure Australian Adults—A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Analysis
by Rebecca Lindberg, Sarah A. McNaughton, Gavin Abbott, Christina M. Pollard, Amy L. Yaroch and Katherine M. Livingstone
Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4133; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14194133 - 05 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2163
Abstract
Poor diet quality exacerbates risks for acute and chronic conditions. People experiencing food insecurity have an increased likelihood of lower diet quality; however, this has not been investigated in the Australian context. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether the [...] Read more.
Poor diet quality exacerbates risks for acute and chronic conditions. People experiencing food insecurity have an increased likelihood of lower diet quality; however, this has not been investigated in the Australian context. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether the diet quality of Australian adults differed according to their household food security status. Data were analysed from a nationally representative sample (≥19 years; n = 9115) collected as part of the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011-12. Household food security status and socio-demographic and health characteristics were assessed using data from an 18-module health interview. A 24 h dietary recall was used to estimate food and nutrient intakes and to calculate the Dietary Guidelines Index (DGI). DGI is a food-based score (0 to 130) that assesses adherence to the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines. Survey-weighted linear regression models, adjusted for age and sex, were used to examine diet quality (total DGI and component scores), and total energy and nutrient intake by food security status. Adults from food-insecure households had a mean total DGI score 3.5 points lower (95% CI −5.57, −1.46) than food-secure adults (p = 0.001). Adults from households experiencing food insecurity, when compared to those who were food-secure, had several lower DGI component scores including for dietary variety (1.6 vs. 2.3, p = 0.009), fruit (3.8 vs. 5.0, p = 0.001) and vegetables (3.7 vs. 4.4, p = 0.010). Adults from food-insecure households consumed on average more carbohydrates (45.6 vs. 43.3, p = 0.004) and total sugar (21.8 vs. 19.0, p = 0.003) as a percentage of daily energy and less protein (18.5 vs. 17.2, p = 0.004), mono-unsaturated fats (11.2 vs. 11.8, p = 0.026) as a percentage of daily energy, and fibre (20.1 vs. 23.0, p = 0.003), than food-secure adults. Sub-optimal diet may be one of the contributing factors to, or outcomes of, poorer health in food-insecure populations. Food security interventions are required to better address nutrition in food-insecure households and should be tailored to the health and socio-demographic characteristics of this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
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17 pages, 494 KiB  
Article
Severity of Food Insecurity among Australian University Students, Professional and Academic Staff
by Katherine Kent, Denis Visentin, Corey Peterson, Ian Ayre, Catherine Elliott, Carmen Primo and Sandra Murray
Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 3956; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14193956 - 23 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3574
Abstract
Assessments of the severity of food insecurity within Australian university students are lacking, and the experience of food insecurity in Australian university staff is unknown. A cross-sectional online survey in March 2022 aimed to characterize the severity of food insecurity in students, professional [...] Read more.
Assessments of the severity of food insecurity within Australian university students are lacking, and the experience of food insecurity in Australian university staff is unknown. A cross-sectional online survey in March 2022 aimed to characterize the severity of food insecurity in students, professional and academic staff at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). The Household Food Security Survey Module six-item short form assessed food security status in addition to seven demographic and education characteristics for students and six demographic and employment characteristics for staff. Participants were categorized as having high, marginal, low, or very low food security. Multivariate binary logistic regression identified students and staff at higher risk of food insecurity. Among student respondents (n = 1257), the prevalence of food insecurity was 41.9% comprising 8.2% marginal, 16.5% low, and 17.3% very low food security. Younger, non-binary, first-year enrolled, on campus, and international students were at significantly higher risk of food insecurity. Among staff (n = 560), 16.3% were food insecure comprising 3.8% marginal, 5.5% low, and 7.0% very low food security. Professional staff, staff on casual contracts, and staff recently employed, were at significantly higher risk of food insecurity. Our findings suggest a high occurrence of food insecurity in UTAS students and staff, with a large proportion of food insecure staff and students experiencing very low food security. Our findings have implications for efforts towards reducing food insecurity at university campuses through a holistic and integrated approach, advocating for food systems that support healthy, sustainable, and equitable food procurement and provision for both university students and staff. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
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22 pages, 1812 KiB  
Article
The Ukraine–Russia War Is Deepening Food Insecurity, Unhealthy Dietary Patterns and the Lack of Dietary Diversity in Lebanon: Prevalence, Correlates and Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Study
by Nour Yazbeck, Rania Mansour, Hassan Salame, Nazih Bou Chahine and Maha Hoteit
Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3504; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14173504 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3641
Abstract
Background: Due to Russia and Ukraine’s key roles in supplying cereals and oilseeds, the Russia–Ukraine war intensifies the current food availability and price challenges in Lebanon, which is a major wheat importer. Given these constraints, we conducted this study to assess the prevalence [...] Read more.
Background: Due to Russia and Ukraine’s key roles in supplying cereals and oilseeds, the Russia–Ukraine war intensifies the current food availability and price challenges in Lebanon, which is a major wheat importer. Given these constraints, we conducted this study to assess the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity, low dietary diversity (DD), unhealthy dietary patterns, and the shifts in households’ food-related habits in response to the Russia–Ukraine war among a representative sample of Lebanese household’s members aged 18 years and above (N = 914). Methods: Data were collected between June and July 2022 using self-administered questionnaires; Results: Findings showed that nearly half of the households consume an undiversified diet (46%), and 55.3% ate fewer than two meals per day. The prevalence of food insecurity among Lebanese households was 74%, with one in every four households being severely food insecure. In addition, the majority of households’ members went out shopping and purchased food less than the pre-war period (68.7% and 70.3%, respectively). Furthermore, almost 68.3% of households’ members highlighted price increases for cereal products, which were the least available and most stocked items. Findings obtained through binary logistic regression also showed that food insecurity was two times higher among households with low monthly income, 35% higher among females, and three times higher among married participants; Conclusions: The impact of the Russia–Ukraine conflict on food security in Lebanon requires a systems-thinking approach as well as international effort to understand the challenges and find solutions to minimize the war’s negative effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
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12 pages, 473 KiB  
Article
Factors Associated with Food Insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean Countries: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 13 Countries
by Akram Hernández-Vásquez, Fabriccio J. Visconti-Lopez and Rodrigo Vargas-Fernández
Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3190; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14153190 - 03 Aug 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3147
Abstract
It is estimated that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is the region with the second highest figures for food insecurity (FI) globally, with a prevalence of 40.9% in the entire region. This cross-sectional study analyzes the household factors associated with FI across [...] Read more.
It is estimated that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is the region with the second highest figures for food insecurity (FI) globally, with a prevalence of 40.9% in the entire region. This cross-sectional study analyzes the household factors associated with FI across 13 LAC countries. We used data from the first round of high-frequency phone surveys, conducted by the World Bank. Approximately 4 out of 10 people in LAC experienced FI during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. FI was positively associated with the number of individuals aged from 5 to 18 years, the number of men, the illness, accident, or death of an income-earning household member, and health expenditure due to COVID-19 or other illnesses, as well as the increase in food prices, reduced family income, and job loss by a member of the household. On the other hand, households located in capital cities and those with more bedrooms were less likely to have experienced FI. The design of social policies must focus on the economic deficiencies experienced by the LAC population, with unemployment, reduced income, and high food costs being the main factors that must be addressed to ensure adequate nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
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15 pages, 306 KiB  
Article
Dietary Patterns, Food Insecurity, and Their Relationships with Food Sources and Social Determinants in Two Small Island Developing States
by Divya Bhagtani, Eden Augustus, Emily Haynes, Viliamu Iese, Catherine R. Brown, Jioje Fesaitu, Ian Hambleton, Neela Badrie, Florian Kroll, Arlette Saint-Ville, Thelma Alafia Samuels, Nita G. Forouhi, Sara E. Benjamin-Neelon, Nigel Unwin and on behalf of the CFaH Team
Nutrients 2022, 14(14), 2891; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14142891 - 14 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2184
Abstract
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have high burdens of nutrition-related chronic diseases. This has been associated with lack of access to adequate and affordable nutritious foods and increasing reliance on imported foods. Our aim in this study was to investigate dietary patterns and [...] Read more.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have high burdens of nutrition-related chronic diseases. This has been associated with lack of access to adequate and affordable nutritious foods and increasing reliance on imported foods. Our aim in this study was to investigate dietary patterns and food insecurity and assess their associations with socio-demographic characteristics and food sources. We recruited individuals aged 15 years and above from rural and urban areas in Fiji (n = 186) and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) (n = 147). Data collection included a 24 h diet recall, food source questionnaire and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale. We conducted latent class analysis to identify dietary patterns, and multivariable regression to investigate independent associations with dietary patterns. Three dietary patterns were identified: (1) low pulses, and milk and milk products, (2) intermediate pulses, and milk and milk products and (3) most diverse. In both SIDS, dietary pattern 3 was associated with older age, regularly sourcing food from supermarkets and borrowing, exchanging, bartering or gifting (BEB). Prevalence of food insecurity was not statistically different across dietary patterns. In both SIDS, food insecurity was higher in those regularly sourcing food from small shops, and in SVG, lower in those regularly using BEB. These results complement previous findings and provide a basis for further investigation into the determinants of dietary patterns, dietary diversity and food insecurity in these settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
20 pages, 4091 KiB  
Article
SNAP and Cardiometabolic Risk in Youth
by Katelin M. Alfaro-Hudak, Lisa Schulkind, Elizabeth F. Racine and Arthur Zillante
Nutrients 2022, 14(13), 2756; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14132756 - 02 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2177
Abstract
Increasing numbers of children and adolescents have unhealthy cardiometabolic risk factors and show signs of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). Low-income populations tend to have higher levels of risk factors associated with MetS. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has the potential to reduce [...] Read more.
Increasing numbers of children and adolescents have unhealthy cardiometabolic risk factors and show signs of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). Low-income populations tend to have higher levels of risk factors associated with MetS. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has the potential to reduce poverty and food insecurity, but little is known about how the program affects MetS. We examine the relationship between SNAP and the cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents using regression discontinuity to control for unobserved differences between participants and nonparticipants. We find that SNAP-eligible youth who experience food insecurity have significantly healthier outcomes compared to food-insecure youth just over the income-eligibility threshold. Our findings suggest that SNAP may be most beneficial to the most disadvantaged households. Policy makers should consider the broad range of potential health benefits of SNAP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
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16 pages, 3332 KiB  
Article
Food Environments and Their Influence on Food Choices: A Case Study in Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya
by Shauna M. Downs, Elizabeth L. Fox, Vincent Mutuku, Zacharia Muindi, Tasneem Fatima, Irena Pavlovic, Sana Husain, Minna Sabbahi, Simon Kimenju and Selena Ahmed
Nutrients 2022, 14(13), 2571; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14132571 - 21 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3011
Abstract
The food environments that people have access to shape their food choices. The purpose of this study was to use mixed methods to characterize the external food environment in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya and to examine the individual factors that influence the [...] Read more.
The food environments that people have access to shape their food choices. The purpose of this study was to use mixed methods to characterize the external food environment in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya and to examine the individual factors that influence the way in which women interact with those environments to make food choices. We used a combination of food environment assessments (vendor mapping, collection of food prices, food quality assessments) and five focus group discussions with women (n = 26) in four villages within two informal settlements in Nairobi (Mukuru and Kibera) to better understand the drivers of food choice. We found a large number (n = 1163) of vendors selling a variety of food within the settlements. The highest number of vendors were selling fruits and/or vegetables; however, there was limited diversity of fruits available. Animal-source foods were considered relatively expensive as compared to plant-based foods, including prepared fried snacks. We found that the way women interacted with their food environments was influenced by individual factors such as income, time, convenience, and preferences. Our findings suggest that interventions targeting both the external food environment as well as individual factors such as income will be necessary to support healthy diets among low-income populations living in informal settlements in Kenya. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
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14 pages, 2518 KiB  
Article
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Food Pantry Use and Barriers in Massachusetts during the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic
by James P. Marriott, Lauren Fiechtner, Nick W. Birk, Daniel Taitelbaum, Angela Odoms-Young, Norbert L. Wilson, Lauren A. Clay and Rachel M. Zack
Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2531; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14122531 - 18 Jun 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3314
Abstract
This study sought to describe racial disparities in food insecurity, food pantry use, and barriers to and experiences with food pantries during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed 2928 adults in Massachusetts regarding food access in the year before and [...] Read more.
This study sought to describe racial disparities in food insecurity, food pantry use, and barriers to and experiences with food pantries during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed 2928 adults in Massachusetts regarding food access in the year before and during the first year of the pandemic. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models assessed racial differences in barriers to and experiences with pantry use during the pandemic. Black and Latino adults experienced the highest prevalence of food insecurity and pantry use. Additionally, Black and Latino adults reported more barriers to, but less stigma around, pantry use compared to White adults. Latino adults were less likely to know about pantry hours/locations and encounter staff who spoke their language. Black and Latino adults were also more likely to find pantry hours/locations inconvenient and have difficulty with transportation. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased food insecurity, and food access inequities persisted. Programmatic policies to improve pantry access in communities of color could include increasing the hours/days that pantries are open, increasing bilingual staff, providing transportation or delivery, and creating multilingual public awareness campaigns on how to locate pantries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
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11 pages, 250 KiB  
Article
Additional Fruit and Vegetable Vouchers for Pregnant WIC Clients: An Equity-Focused Strategy to Improve Food Security and Diet Quality
by Ronit A. Ridberg, Ronli Levi, Sanjana Marpadga, Melissa Akers, Daniel J. Tancredi and Hilary K. Seligman
Nutrients 2022, 14(11), 2328; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14112328 - 01 Jun 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2851
Abstract
Women with low household income and from racial/ethnic minority groups are at elevated risk of food insecurity. Food insecurity during pregnancy is associated with overall less healthy diets, lower intake of the pregnancy-supportive nutrients iron and folate, and significant variations in diet across [...] Read more.
Women with low household income and from racial/ethnic minority groups are at elevated risk of food insecurity. Food insecurity during pregnancy is associated with overall less healthy diets, lower intake of the pregnancy-supportive nutrients iron and folate, and significant variations in diet across the course of a month. The goal of this study was to explore the impact of an ongoing $40/month supplement for fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) provided to pregnant people enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women and Children (WIC). Our primary outcome was food insecurity using the USDA 6-item survey, and our secondary outcome was dietary intake of F&Vs based on the 10-item Dietary Screener Questionnaire. Participants in intervention and comparison counties completed surveys at enrollment and approximately three months later (n = 609). Mean ± SD food insecurity at baseline was 3.67 ± 2.79 and 3.47 ± 2.73 in the intervention and comparison groups, respectively, and the adjusted between-group change from baseline to follow-up in food insecurity was 0.05 [95% CI: −0.35, 0.44] (p > 0.05). F&V intake (in cup equivalents) was 2.56 ± 0.95 and 2.51 ± 0.89 at baseline in the two groups, and the adjusted mean between-group difference in changes from baseline was −0.06 [−0.23, 0.11] (p > 0.05). Recruitment and data collection for this study coincided with the most intensive of America’s COVID relief efforts. Our results may indicate that small increases in highly targeted food resources make less of a difference in the context of larger, more general resources being provided to individuals and households in need. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
19 pages, 722 KiB  
Article
Food Security Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Evidence from a Cohort of Adults in Vermont during the First Year
by Ashley C. McCarthy, Emily H. Belarmino, Farryl Bertmann and Meredith T. Niles
Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1358; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14071358 - 24 Mar 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2878
Abstract
This study assessed changes in household food insecurity throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in a cohort of adults in the state of Vermont, USA, and examined the socio-demographic characteristics associated with increased odds of experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic. [...] Read more.
This study assessed changes in household food insecurity throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in a cohort of adults in the state of Vermont, USA, and examined the socio-demographic characteristics associated with increased odds of experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic. We conducted three online surveys between March 2020 and March 2021 to collect longitudinal data on food security, use of food assistance programs, and job disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Food security was measured using the USDA six-item module. Among the 441 respondents, food insecurity rates increased significantly during the pandemic and remained above pre-pandemic levels a year after the start of the pandemic. Nearly a third (31.6%) of respondents experienced food insecurity at some point during the first year of the pandemic, with 53.1% of food-insecure households being classified as newly food-insecure. The odds of experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic varied based on socio-demographic factors. Households with children (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.782–16.936, p < 0.01), women (OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.777–36.647, p < 0.05), BIPOC/Hispanic respondents (OR 11.8, 95% CI 1.615–85.805, p < 0.05), and households experiencing a job disruption (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.583–16.005, p <0.01) had significantly higher odds of experiencing food insecurity during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, while respondents with a college degree (OR 0.08; 95% CI 0.025–0.246; p < 0.001) and household income of ≥USD 50,000 (OR 0.01; 95% CI 0.003–0.038; p < 0.001) had lower odds of experiencing food insecurity. These findings indicate that food insecurity continued to be a significant challenge one year after the start of the pandemic, which is important, given the adverse health impacts associated with food insecurity and health disparities among certain socio-demographic groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
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Review

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14 pages, 490 KiB  
Review
Factors Associated with Food Insecurity among Pregnant Women and Caregivers of Children Aged 0–6 Years: A Scoping Review
by Amber Bastian, Courtney Parks, Amy Yaroch, Fiona H. McKay, Katie Stern, Paige van der Pligt, Sarah A. McNaughton and Rebecca Lindberg
Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2407; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14122407 - 09 Jun 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3822
Abstract
With a global focus on improving maternal and child nutrition through the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, it is important to understand food insecurity in pregnant women and families with young children, as food insecurity at these life stages can have ongoing negative health [...] Read more.
With a global focus on improving maternal and child nutrition through the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, it is important to understand food insecurity in pregnant women and families with young children, as food insecurity at these life stages can have ongoing negative health consequences. However, factors that influence food insecurity among this population group are not well understood. This scoping review investigates the factors that influence food insecurity among pregnant women and households with young children aged 0–6 years living in high-income countries. A scoping literature review was conducted using four electronic databases. The search combined terms relevant to: food security, determinants, pregnancy and family and high-income countries. Only full text and English language articles were included. The search identified 657 titles and abstracts; 29 articles were included in the review. A majority (70%) of the studies were conducted in the United States and were mostly either cross-sectional or secondary data analysis of existing population data. Factors associated with food insecurity were identified and grouped into 13 constructs. These included social, economic and health risk factors, food access and utilization factors and health and dietary outcomes. This scoping review identifies the factors associated with food insecurity among pregnant women and families with young children that could be used to better measure and understand food insecurity, which could assist in developing program and policy responses. This review also highlights the lack of literature from high-income countries outside the US. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
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Other

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19 pages, 2314 KiB  
Perspective
What’s to Eat and Drink on Campus? Public and Planetary Health, Public Higher Education, and the Public Good
by David Arthur Cleveland
Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 196; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15010196 - 30 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3611
Abstract
Public higher education institutions (PHEIs) have a unique and important role in responding to the public and planetary health crisis—they are centers of research on public and planetary health and of learning for young people, and have a public good mission. Yet, PHEI [...] Read more.
Public higher education institutions (PHEIs) have a unique and important role in responding to the public and planetary health crisis—they are centers of research on public and planetary health and of learning for young people, and have a public good mission. Yet, PHEI campus food environments are predominantly unhealthy and environmentally unsustainable, and associated with unhealthy food choices and unhealthy students. PHEIs are addressing high levels of student food insecurity (FI) that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable groups. Yet, because student FI is measured as individual access to adequate quantities of food, campus responses to FI often overlook unhealthy food environments. These environments result from neoliberal PHEI business policies that prioritize short-term revenue and encourage superfluous consumption, and unhealthy, environmentally harmful diets. PHEIs need to move beyond neoliberalism to honor their public good mission, including prioritizing health, the environment, and equity, in decisions about food on campus. My goal in this perspective is to encourage inclusive campus discussion about why this change is required to adequately respond to the crisis of student, public, and planetary health, and about how to begin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
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17 pages, 862 KiB  
Systematic Review
Sustainable Diets as Tools to Harmonize the Health of Individuals, Communities and the Planet: A Systematic Review
by Tatianna Oliva Kowalsky, Rubén Morilla Romero de la Osa and Isabel Cerrillo
Nutrients 2022, 14(5), 928; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14050928 - 22 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3876
Abstract
Background. Climate change and global health are inextricably linked. Thus, health systems and their professionals must adapt and evolve without losing quality of care. Aim(s). To identify health and environmental co-benefits derived from a sustainable diet and promotion strategies that favor its implementation. [...] Read more.
Background. Climate change and global health are inextricably linked. Thus, health systems and their professionals must adapt and evolve without losing quality of care. Aim(s). To identify health and environmental co-benefits derived from a sustainable diet and promotion strategies that favor its implementation. Methods. A systematic search for articles published on sustainable diets and human/planetary health published between 2013 and 2020 was conducted on the databases PubMed, Cinahl, Scopus and Trip from 4 to 7 May 2020 in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. Results. A total of 201 articles was retrieved, but only 21 were included. A calorie-balanced diet mainly based on food of plant origin that would allow the attainment of 60% of daily caloric requirements and a low protein intake from animal foods (focusing in fish and poultry) could significantly reduce global morbi-mortality and the dietary environmental impact maintaining a framework of sustainability conditioned by the consumption of fresh, seasonal, locally produced and minimally packaged products. Discussion. The implementation of sustainable diets requires working on the triangulation of concepts of food–health–environment from schools and that is permanently reinforced during all stages of the life by healthcare workers, who should establish the appropriate modifications according to the age, gender and health situation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Linkages among Food Insecurity, Food Systems, and Public Health)
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