Improving the Nutritional Quality of Emergency Food: A Study of Food Bank Organizational Culture, Capacity, and Practices

A Model to Drive Research-Based Policy Change: Improving the Nutritional Quality of Emergency Food

“…Policies and practices that can be employed by food banks themselves to influence the nutritional quality of emergency food are described elsewhere. 3 This section begins with results, key issues, and recommendations related to public policy and concludes with those related to organizational policies and practices.…”

“…The CWH national survey of FA food banks found that 50% of respondents thought "all" or "most" of their food donors were or would be supportive of efforts to improve the nutritional quality of distributed foods, and 18% thought "few" or "none" were supportive and 32% were unsure about donor attitudes ( Table 2). 3 Interviewees (food bank representatives) from the CWH case study of California food banks reported concerns that restricting the donation of certain foods by establishing organizational (food bank) donation policies may threaten future donations of funds and all types of food. 3 Food banks want to distribute healthier foods and EFN clients want to receive them.…”

“…3 Interviewees (food bank representatives) from the CWH case study of California food banks reported concerns that restricting the donation of certain foods by establishing organizational (food bank) donation policies may threaten future donations of funds and all types of food. 3 Food banks want to distribute healthier foods and EFN clients want to receive them. According to the CWH national survey of FA food banks, 97% of respondents reported that their organizations have a "medium" or "high" commitment to offering healthy foods.…”

“…Similarly influential factors that are internal to food banks are illustrated and reviewed in a companion article. 3 Federal food distribution programs, including The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, make a variety of foods available to food banks. The federal laws governing these programs are enacted through agricultural appropriation bills and omnibus agriculture policy bills ("farm bills").…”

Applying a Nutrient-Rich Foods Index Algorithm to Address Nutrient Content of Food Bank Food

“…15 A systematic nutritional evaluation of foods provided by the Emergency Food System has not been completed; however, a national survey of 137 food banks indicated that despite a reported commitment to nutrition, efforts to reduce unhealthful foods at the food banks were limited. 16 In 2002, given the relationship among food insecurity, obesity, and chronic disease, and in recognition that not all foods available through the Emergency Food System are nutrient-dense, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's then director of procurement and marketing, supported by the Food and Nutrition Committee, began work to address these issues. Several food banks representing different regions of the country provided input during the early development of the Choose Healthy Options Program algorithm and subsequently tested the algorithm using their inventory and other grocery products.…”