Improving the dietary quality of food parcels leads to improved dietary intake in Dutch food bank recipients—effects of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose Since food banks have a strong influence on recipients' diets, and seem to have difficulties in supporting healthy diets, improving the dietary quality of food parcels is important. The aim of our study was to assess whether improving the dietary quality of food parcels, using different strategies, can positively impact the actual dietary intake of Dutch food bank recipients. Methods This randomized cross-over controlled trial (Trial ID: ISRCTN40554133) with four intervention conditions [(1) Control (standard food parcel), (2) snacks-(standard food parcel with replacement of unhealthy snacks by staple foods), (3) FV + (standard food parcel plus the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables), (4) snacks-+ FV + (standard food parcel with replacement of unhealthy snacks by staple foods plus the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables)] included 163 food bank recipients, from three food banks. At baseline, participants filled in a questionnaire. Dietary intake data were collected through 24-h recalls after both intervention conditions at 4 and 8 weeks follow-up. Primary outcome was daily fruit and vegetable intake, secondary outcomes were daily dietary intakes of food groups and nutrients. Results Multi-level linear regression analysis, using a two-level model, showed a higher mean daily fruit intake in participants in the FV + condition than in participants in the Control condition (delta (δ): 74 [40.3;107.6] g). Both mean daily fruit and vegetable intake were higher in participants in the Snacks-+ FV + condition than in participants in the Control condition

The nutritional quality of food parcels provided by food banks and the effectiveness of food banks at reducing food insecurity in developed countries: a mixed‐method systematic review

“… 84 USDA MPM: developed for collecting interviewer‐administered 24‐h recalls and includes multiple passes through the 24‐h of the previous day, during which respondents receive cues to help them remember and describe foods and drinks they consumed. Interviewers also asked participants whether the recall day was a normal day regarding dietary intake (yes/no) and a portion size photo booklet assisted in portion‐size estimation of foods and drink consumed 86 . USDA 6‐item: questions are about the food eaten in your household in the last 12 months 83 …”

“…chocolate, cookies, potato chips]) were replaced by staple foods (e.g. pasta, rice) plus the recommended daily amount of fruit (2) and vegetables (200 g) for all household members for 7 days 86 …”

Changes in Food Consumption During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of Consumer Survey Data From the First Lockdown Period in Denmark, Germany, and Slovenia

“…The reduction in the intake of fresh fruit and vegetables during lockdown was also related to gender and loss of income. One factor that has been shown to increase fruit and vegetable intake in previous studies is the use of food banks, which provide such food at a nominal price ( 39 , 40 ). Relatedly, providing fruit and vegetables for free increases their uptake among socially disadvantaged men ( 39 ) and families ( 41 ).…”

A Feasibility and Pilot Study of a Personalized Nutrition Intervention in Mobile Food Pantry Users in Northeastern Connecticut

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