Event Title
Assessment of Client Acceptability of a New Healthy Food Policy at two Food Pantries in Grand Rapids, MI
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: The purpose of food pantries is to provide short-term assistance to food insecure individuals, however recent research indicates that food pantries are often used over longer periods of time. Therefore, there is a greater importance for food pantries to distribute nutrient dense foods. We examined the change in client satisfaction and desire for change in available foods from baseline, 3 and 6 months post-implementation of a new healthy food policy.
SUBJECTS: Food pantry clients were recruited to complete a survey while waiting to utilize food pantry services.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two food pantries in Grand Rapids, MI were studied at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-implementation of a new healthy food policy. Access of West Michigan provided demographic information on food pantry clients. Pantry clients’ satisfaction and desire for change in available foods were measured through a survey.
ANALYSES: Frequencies were used to describe discrete characteristics.
RESULTS: The pre-surveys indicated clients desired to have more access to fruits and vegetables. The post-survey indicated clients were aware of the increase in fruits and vegetables after implementation of the healthy food policy. Client satisfaction remained high throughout the implementation of the healthy food policy.
CONCLUSIONS: Food pantry clients were satisfied with the new healthy food policy and the resultant increase in fruits and vegetables available for selection in the pantries.
Assessment of Client Acceptability of a New Healthy Food Policy at two Food Pantries in Grand Rapids, MI
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: The purpose of food pantries is to provide short-term assistance to food insecure individuals, however recent research indicates that food pantries are often used over longer periods of time. Therefore, there is a greater importance for food pantries to distribute nutrient dense foods. We examined the change in client satisfaction and desire for change in available foods from baseline, 3 and 6 months post-implementation of a new healthy food policy.
SUBJECTS: Food pantry clients were recruited to complete a survey while waiting to utilize food pantry services.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two food pantries in Grand Rapids, MI were studied at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-implementation of a new healthy food policy. Access of West Michigan provided demographic information on food pantry clients. Pantry clients’ satisfaction and desire for change in available foods were measured through a survey.
ANALYSES: Frequencies were used to describe discrete characteristics.
RESULTS: The pre-surveys indicated clients desired to have more access to fruits and vegetables. The post-survey indicated clients were aware of the increase in fruits and vegetables after implementation of the healthy food policy. Client satisfaction remained high throughout the implementation of the healthy food policy.
CONCLUSIONS: Food pantry clients were satisfied with the new healthy food policy and the resultant increase in fruits and vegetables available for selection in the pantries.