The charitable food system as a change agent

Schwartz, Marlene B.; Caspi, Caitlin E.

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1156501

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 40 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Notably, a growing body of evidence highlights the inherent limitations of food relief systems, as despite well-intentioned efforts, they are unable to address the broader drivers of food insecurity and diet-related health inequities (Zack et al, 2021), including the insufficient availability of reliable financial, social, and food resources (Pollard et al, 2018). Consequently, there is increasing recognition of the need for extensive, system-wide political intervention, support, and collaboration to effectively address these complex issues (Inza-Bartolomé, 2022;Schwartz & Caspi, 2023). Overall, factors influencing nutrition-related health and support are complex, with varying perspectives highlighting the need for ongoing intervention, evaluation, and improvement.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived nutrition needs of people experiencing disadvantage in utilizing support services: An Australian case study

Vaiciurgis,

Clancy,

O'Reilly

et al. 2024

Food Science & Nutrition

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Individuals experiencing socio‐economic disadvantage face higher rates of food insecurity and health disparities. This study explored the perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of individuals providing nutrition services, and users of these services, to identify nutrition needs and inform potential strategies for addressing diet‐related health inequities. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted utilizing a phenomenological approach to explore lived experiences, beliefs, and perceptions influencing nutrition‐related health. Key themes were derived by consensus among researchers using inductive thematic analysis. Twenty‐two interviews were completed, which identified five themes. “Budgetary Constraints” was found to have a pervasive impact on all nutrition‐related services. Secondly, diverse “Individual Clientele” was found to influence three overlapping themes pertaining to opportunities and limitations for “Knowledge and Skills,” “Services, Resources and Staff,” and the “Systems and Food Environment.” Budgets directly impact the availability of services, resources, food provision, sustainability, and educational opportunities for staff, volunteers and service users. A live‐in environment offers a platform to implement and evaluate targeted interventions to inform and enhance nutrition‐related support services. Future interventions should address individual and systemic influences, prioritizing client‐informed, cost‐effective, sustainable capacity building for clients and staff. Recommendations for systemic and environmental influences include formalized staff training, peer‐mentoring systems, and increasing client autonomy. This has the potential to improve food security for residents following their transition into independent living. Charitable system limitations underscore the need for broader systemic change, informed policymaking, and government intervention to effectively address the root causes of food insecurity and diet‐related health inequities.

show abstract