ABSTRACT
Background: This study aims to assess factors associated with food security and dietary diversity among poor urban households of western Oromia, Ethiopia, after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted in May to June 2021 with 361 poor urban households in the Horo Guduru Wollega zone, western Oromia, Ethiopia. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Twenty-four hour reminder points were used to assess household dietary diversity, and household food security was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale tool. Data were evaluated using the statistical software SPSS version 25.0. Results: This study showed a prevalence of food insecurity in households of 59.6%. The mean and standard deviation of household dietary diversity values were 4.19 ± 1.844. Family size (AOR = 8.5; 95% CI:3.295-21.92), monthly income (AOR = 3.52; 95% CI; 1.771-6.986), dietary diversity (AOR = 8.5; 95% CI; 3.92-18.59), knowledge (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.08-)8.347), attitude (AOR = 8.35, 95% CI:3.112-22.39) and practices against Covid-19 (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI:1.299-11.4) were factors significantly associated with food insecurity. Variables like educational status (AOR = 3.46; 95% CI:1.44-8.312), increased family size after the Covid-19 pandemic (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI:1.02-5.04), food security (AOR = 6.7; 95% CI:4.01-19.01), knowledge (AOR = 3.96; 95% CI:1.57-10.0), attitude (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI:1.75-8.82) and practices toward coronavirus (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI:2.18-23.95) were predictors significantly associated with dietary diversity. Conclusion: This study concluded that family size, monthly income, and dietary diversity were factors contributed to household food security. On the other hand, variables such as educational status, family size, and food security were highly relevant factors for dietary diversity after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices were also variables related to both household food security and dietary diversity. Therefore, immediate interventions such as nutrition-specific interventions can be suggested to address food insecurity and problems of inadequate food intake in poor urban households. In addition, governmental and non-governmental organizations should raise awareness and policies to support those at higher risk by developing affordable, sustainable and targeted social protection systems that ensure food security and adequate dietary intake at the household level.
ABSTRACT
US dairy futures markets of Class III milk, butter, cheese, and dry whey exhibit unique volatility patterns under the Federal Milk Marketing Order pricing system. We find that dairy volatilities have a relatively low connectedness among themselves and the overall commodity market. We develop a price information uncertainty measure to investigate dairy markets' response to government-released information. Dairy futures markets respond to government-released information with increased trading activity. The price information uncertainty measure has a strong positive impact on price volatility across all dairy commodities. We provide evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic increases volatility in dairy commodities. The pandemic also significantly reduces the impact of information uncertainty on volatility. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.
ABSTRACT
The prevalence of food insecurity on college campuses has been found to be higher than reported in U.S. households. Despite the prevalence and negative health and academic consequences associated with food insecurity in college students, barriers exist in food access resource utilization, especially in the wake of COVID-19.The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of food insecurity at Mississippi State University and explore college students’ perceptions of food access resources and resource utilization.This study employed a mixed methods design. Quantitative data was gathered from an online survey to assess the prevalence, demographics, and food insecurity status from undergraduate students at Mississippi State University. The 1157 survey respondents then provided the recruitment pool for qualitative data collection, which was obtained via focus groups and open-ended questionnaires to explore student perspectives of food insecurity and food access resources.SPSS 27 was used to determine food security status based on the USDA's Household Food Security Survey Module 6-item short form. NVivo 12 was used for coding and thematic analyses to examine college student perspectives of food insecurity and food access resources.The prevalence of food insecurity among college students was 34.1%. Key influencers emerged as the major theme associated with students’ views about food insecurity, and the resources available to address the issue. These influencers were personal beliefs, life skills, and the university. Student perceptions of what it means to need food access resources and the value of a resource were interconnected.Food insecurity continues to occur at a higher prevalence in college student populations than in U.S. households. When addressing food insecurity in this group, key influencers of food insecurity status should be considered when exploring viable intervention strategies that produce acceptable resources that students will use.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has the potential to impact the health of individuals experiencing food insecurity and reduced food access. A national collaboration examined this impact across the United States, including Utah.The objective of this study was to explore the effect of COVID-19 on perceived food access challenges, barriers, and compensatory strategies among SNAP-eligible Utahns.A 76-item survey was emailed to all SNAP-eligible Utahns (N = 24,763) in July 2020. The USDA's 6-item Food Security Module was used to determine food security prior to and since COVID-19. Additional questions asked about food access and eating/purchasing behaviors. Participants (n = 521) were predominately White (75%) females (77%).Level of agreement for using compensatory food access strategies was summed (score range: 7-42, higher scores reflecting increased use) and assessed for mean differences using ANOVA based on food insecurity classification. Rating scales were used to measure food access challenges and barriers to using nutrition assistance (4-5 item scales) during COVID-19. Spearman correlations examined associations between challenges/barriers and degree of food insecurity.Of participants (n = 358) who were food insecure, 74% were White and 77% were female. Food insecure individuals prior to and since COVID-19 were more likely than food secure participants to use compensatory strategies to ensure food affordability during COVID-19 (mean score = 30 vs 26, respectively, P = 0.002). Degree of food insecurity was associated with barriers to using nutrition assistance, including difficulty traveling to apply/recertify (r = 0.24, P < 0.001) and frequency of experiencing food access challenges during COVID-19 (r = 0.16-0.33, P ≤ 0.002).Challenges with food access and barriers to utilizing nutrition assistance during COVID-19 are associated with food insecurity among SNAP-eligible individuals, potentially resulting in reliance upon more compensatory food affordability strategies. Efforts should be taken to minimize these barriers to ensure adequate food quantity and quality among food insecurity individuals.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 rapidly spread throughout the United States (US) early in 2020. In March, the US federal government mandated that all residents and citizens remain in quarantine to reduce the spread and ease the burden on the healthcare system, which unwillingly impacted the rise in unemployment. Even though these preventative measures were necessary, it may have unwillingly shifted dietary habits based on food security status.To identify adults’ demographics, dietary habits, and its relationship with food security status amid COVID-19.An online cross-sectional study was conducted between April – June 2020 throughout the United States. Participants (n = 3,133) completed a demographic questionnaire, the modified Dana-Farber's Cancer Institute Eating Habits Questionnaire and USDA Food Security Module once during the study period.Frequency counts and percentages were tabulated for demographics, dietary habits, and food security scores. One-way ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate relationships between dietary habits and food security status and correlations among demographics using STATA v14 at a statistical significance level of P < 0.05.Participants were White (84.5%), female (79.4%), and between the ages of 30 to 49 years old (30.2%). Participants increased their consumption of sweets (43.8%) and salty snacks (37.4%) and decreased their consumption of fruit (33.4%), poultry products (31%) and non-starchy vegetables (28.2%). Average scores for food security were 0.69 ± 1.77. Per each month, there was a relationship between dietary habits and food security status, April (P < 0.02), May (P < 0.000) and June (P < 0.03). A significant negative correlation was found for female sex (P = 0.009), race (P < 0.001), and age range (P < 0.001) with total dietary habits score.COVID-19 continues to affect individuals, which influences the relationship between dietary habits and food security status. Future population studies are recommended in the US to help public health authorities frame actions to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 has on dietary habits and food security to minimize the risk factors today and in future inevitable pandemics.
ABSTRACT
Food insecurity among college students has been estimated between 32.9% to 50.9% of students. Food insecurity among college students is associated with poor nutrition, higher stress levels, and poorer academic outcomes. First-generation, low-income, and students of color are at higher risk of food insecurity.To assess food security at a private university during the COVID-19 pandemic.This cross-sectional study was conducted in Fall 2020 at a private, Midwestern university with approximately 5,400 students. Participants were recruited via email. An online survey was administered to 393 students, aged 18-53 years (M = 20.69 ± 4.07). Participants were predominantly White (n = 338, 86%), US citizens (n = 383, 98%), majority female (n = 300, 76%), mostly undergraduate (n = 361, 92%), and 113 (29%) were first-generation students. Eighty-one (21%) participants reported living with a parent/guardian.The USDA's 18-item Household Food Security Survey was used to assess food security. A total food security score was calculated, and participants categorized as high, marginal, low, or very low food security. A t test was performed to determine if a difference existed between food security scores for participants who were/were not first-generation students.Of the 393 participants, 199 (50.6%) reported high food security, 73 (18.6%) marginal, 51 (13.0%) low, and 70 (17.8%) very low. Based on the USDA classification, 69.2% were food secure while 30.8% were food insecure. First-generation students had significantly greater food insecurity (M = 3.22 ± 3.40) than non-first-generation students (M = 1.67 ± 2.63), [t(169.27) = 4.37, P < 0.000].Food security among participants was higher than estimates for college students pre-COVID-19. One possible explanation is that more students may have been living at their permanent residences due to remote learning. First-generation students continue to be at high risk for food insecurity. Nutrition educators can collaborate with administrators and other stakeholders to provide resources to increase food security among students.
ABSTRACT
School meals are an important social safety net. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and community organizations were able to serve meals through federal summer meals programs (SMP) to reach kids in need who were not in school. It is important to understand how access to these programs may have been impacted across sociodemographic characteristics to prevent exacerbation of health disparities in future public health emergencies.To examine the geospatial characteristics of COVID-19 pandemic SMP distribution sites in North Carolina.Cross-sectional study of COVID-19 SMP distribution sites (n = 2,567) in North Carolina during the 2019-2020 school year.GIS was used to conduct a geospatial analysis. Pandemic SMP sites were mapped and spatially joined to US Census sociodemographic data and USDA Food Desert Atlas data, including designated census tracts. SMP site service areas were created for rural (10-mile) and urban sites (3-mile), and sociodemographic data aggregated within these areas to understand reach. Summary sociodemographic and food environment characteristics of meal sites were generated, and bivariate analysis used to assess group differences.There was a school meal site in 71% (267/368) of Food Desert Census Tracts. Census Tracts with meal sites had significantly higher levels of percent poverty (18.8% vs 13.2%) (P < 0.001), percent minority population (34.7% vs 25.7%) (P < 0.001), and a higher number of housing units without vehicle count beyond 1 mile from supermarket (56.3% vs 36.0%) (P < 0.001) compared to Census Tracts without SMP sites.In North Carolina, meal sites were generally well placed to serve those in the most need. Future work should try to understand factors determining SMP location. The use of geospatial analysis of sociodemographic characteristics and use of spatial location-allocation modeling to inform meal distribution sites should be further explored to prevent future exacerbation of health disparities.
ABSTRACT
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in record high unemployment rates that topped the Great Depression. As a result, the prevalence of food insecurity increased exponentially, with Blacks and Latinos experiencing disproportionately higher rates of food insecurity.We examined associations between change in employment status due to the pandemic and food insecurity among a large sample of Black and Latino adults in a Midwestern state. Furthermore, we evaluated the role of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation to determine if it modified associations between change in employment status and food security status.We analyzed cross-sectional survey data collected from a volunteer sample of 1,776 Black and Latino adults in 2 waves: May and June/July 2020.Participants listed their change in employment status as follows: “lost job entirely”, “employed, but had paid hours reduced”, “employed, but anticipate job lost soon”, or “no change”. Participants self-reported SNAP participation status as yes or no and completed the USDA's 6-item U.S. Food Security Module to report food security status. We used logistic regression to assess the significance of associations after controlling for demographics.Approximately 15.4% of participants lost their job entirely, 25.7% were receiving SNAP benefits, and 16.4% were experiencing very low food security (VLFS). Change in employment (any type) was significantly associated with increased odds of VLFS after adjusting for demographics. Associations varied by SNAP status. Among SNAP participants, odds of VLFS were 2.91 times higher for those who lost their job compared to “no change” participants. Among non-participants, odds of VLFS were 4.58 times higher for those who lost their job.We observed strong associations between complete job loss and food insecurity, which underscores the pandemic's impact on nutritionally vulnerable populations. The strength of associations varied by SNAP participation status.
ABSTRACT
Evaluate the Montana Cook Fresh Leadership Institute (MCF) for K-12 school nutrition staff, offered virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.The MCF curriculum was developed using a participatory approach from Montana Team Nutrition staff, school nutrition professionals, and state-level administration to include evidence-based materials and learning strategies.Twenty-two nutrition professionals from 9 Montana school districts in July 2020.MCF was developed as a 30-hour, 5-day in-person training during 2018 and 2019. In 2020, the format of MCF was adjusted to a 10 day, 30-hour, 3-hour a day virtual workshop. MCF utilized live video conferencing and independent work completed via an online learning management platform. Topics addressed USDA regulations, procurement, food production, culinary skills, and emergency preparedness.A pre and post self-reported survey tool and a post MCF evaluation tool were applied. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA was applied to determine significant changes from pre to post (P < 0.05).Pre (n = 22) and post surveys (n = 21) determined an average 9.96% percent change in mean comfort level, confidence, and likelihood of future behavior (P < 0.05). The emergency preparedness plan demonstrated the greatest increase in comfort level (+26.50%, P < 0.05). Although not significant, comfort levels with farm to school (+16.98%) and USDA foods (14.06%) increased, while scratch cooking (-4.40%) decreased. Using herbs and spices in recipes (+20.48%) and completing a daily production record (+23.31%) demonstrated the greatest increases in reported comfort level (P < 0.05). Participants were most likely to participate in future remote professional development activities (+16.40%) and use a new recipe that includes fresh and dried legumes (+13.71%), although not significant. Seventy-five percent of knowledge questions demonstrated increases in correct answers.The pre to post evaluation results indicate that a virtual MCF can achieve positive learning outcomes. Future training efforts should be focused on exploring ways to improve participants comfort with scratch cooking and batch cooking in a virtual format.
ABSTRACT
US dairy futures markets of Class III milk, butter, cheese, and dry whey exhibit unique volatility patterns under the Federal Milk Marketing Order pricing system. We find that dairy volatilities have a relatively low connectedness among themselves and the overall commodity market. We develop a price information uncertainty measure to investigate dairy markets' response to government-released information. Dairy futures markets respond to government-released information with increased trading activity. The price information uncertainty measure has a strong positive impact on price volatility across all dairy commodities. We provide evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic increases volatility in dairy commodities. The pandemic also significantly reduces the impact of information uncertainty on volatility.
ABSTRACT
Background: During the lockdown period, a substantial group of these women reported lifestyle changes. Aim: The aim of the study is to characterize the dietary patterns, intake and the adherence to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) pregnancy guidelines before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Eastern Mediterranean postartum women. Methods: An internet-based cross-sectional survey was used to collect the data. The survey was carried out among 1,939 postpartum women from five countries from the Eastern Mediterranean region. Change in dietary intake from the five food groups and the adherence to USDA's daily recommendations were assessed. Findings: There was a significant increase in the mean (SD) consumption of all the food groups, including bread, rice, and other cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products, white and red meat, and nuts during the pandemic. Around 84% of participants reported no/low adherence (0-2) to USDA guidelines, whereas only 15% reported moderate or high adherence (3-5) to the guidelines before the pandemic. However, there was an increase in the proportion of subjects reporting moderate/high adherence (22%) during the pandemic. Discussion and conclusions: A substantial proportion of our study participants reported a lower dietary intake than the recommended amounts, and low adherence to the five food groups. Reasonable and applicable actions should be taken to protect postpartum women and their children from the effects of low dietary intake, particularly during pandemics and lockdowns. More researches are needed to identify the modifiable factors which could improve the nutritional status of the postpartum women during the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
As society experiences greater food- and agriculture-related crises, including those related to climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to rethink conventional silos of hierarchical government. Know Your Farmer Know Your Food (KYF2) was an ambitious collaborative interagency model to address local and regional food system (LRFS) development across a multitude of policies and programs. KYF2, as a public management strategy for implementing public policy, was associated with an investment of more than $1 billion through more than 40,000 LRFS initiatives. Our aim is to document and evaluate the extent to which KYF2 changed the way the USDA implements LRFS policy. Guided by public management, policy implementation, and collaboration literature, we use a mixed methods approach by: 1) conducting a document analysis to determine the internal implementation goals of KYF2, and 2) surveying USDA staff members involved in KYF2 and using statistical and network analysis of survey data to evaluate the evidence about whether KYF2 achieved internal goals. We find that KYF2 legitimized LRFS work within USDA agencies, changed and institutionalized the ways in which daily business is conducted, and elicited new cross-agency collaborations. KYF2, as a cross-boundary innovation, enabled the USDA to coordinate implementation of LRFS policies across 17 agencies, integrating LRFS department-wide and creating policy feedbacks that resulted in legislative change. The development and passage of public policy is often a focus for change, but this study suggests that management strategies to coordinate existing policies can also significantly impact the way in which governments engage in complex, multi-sector issues.
ABSTRACT
During pregnancy, woman's diet is one of the most preeminent factors affecting mother and child's health. Prior to the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, inadequate maternal diet and low adherence to dietary guidelines was reported among pregnant women in the Arab countries. Nowadays, COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is widely discussed among literature. However, there is limited data on the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-infected pregnant women. This substantially larger group also suffered significant lifestyle changes during the lockdown period. The aim of the study is to characterize dietary patterns, intake and adherence to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) pregnancy guidelines before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Arab pregnant women. Using a specially designed questionnaire and using the snowball sampling method, the survey was carried out among a convenient sample of 1,939 pregnant women from five Arab countries. Our study found an increment in the consumption of cereals, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and nuts that occurred during the pandemic compared to the preceding period. Despite this noticeable increase during the pandemic, the Arab pregnant women in this study had significantly lower adherence to the USDA pregnancy guidelines. The daily consumption of almost all food groups was lower than the USDA's daily recommendations, except for fruits intake, which was higher than the daily standard. Demonstrated poor adherence to prenatal USDA dietary guidelines by Arab pregnant women can lead to numerous deficiencies and health risks among their offspring. In conclusion, our study showed that before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, poor adherence to dietary recommendations occurred in a considerable number of Arab pregnant women. The findings emphasize the need for nutritional education and intervention during prenatal visits.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free and nutritious meals to children under age 18 during out-of-school times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland sponsors served over 9.5 million meals to children through an expanded version of the SFSP. This study aimed to explore and compare the factors that enabled 2 SFSP sponsors in Maryland to dramatically increase meals distribution during the pandemic. METHODS: Sponsors were selected based on their responses in the larger study and demographic characteristics of the area in which they served. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted over Zoom-4 interviews with Sponsor A (3 interviews with the sponsor, 1 interview with their vendor) and 1 interview with Sponsor B. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively and deductively. Participation data from 2019 and 2020 were obtained from the Maryland State Department of Education and analyzed. RESULTS: Despite their differences in organization type and geographic region, they identified similar facilitators to their success-communication with the community and utilization of the United States Department of Agriculture-issued waivers. CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening community communication networks and permanently integrating more flexibility into regulation of the SFSP may increase meals participation during future out-of-school times.