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Title: The Response of the National School Lunch Program and Food Stamp Program in Southern Louisiana in the Wake of Hurricances Katrina and Rita

Author
item WHELAN, E - LOUISIANA STATE UNIV

Submitted to: Journal Of The American Dietetic Association
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/25/2007
Publication Date: 8/1/2007
Citation: Whelan, E.S. 2007. The response of the National School Lunch Program and Food Stamp Program in southern Louisiana in the wake of Hurricances Katrina and Rita [abstract]. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 107(8):A-108.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Our objective was to identify the successes and barriers to implementing the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Food Stamp Program (FSP) after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita decimated the Gulf Coast in August and September 2005. To identify the successes and barriers to the NSLP and FSP after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, an interview was designed using the PRECEDE/PROCEED theoretical model. Predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors that allowed or hampered the success of the program were identified. Interviews were similar, but tailored to the specific program. Key administrators from the NSLP were selected from the Louisiana state office, as well as School Food Authorities (SFA) from parishes (counties) where NSLP enrollment increased or decreased after the storms. FSP administrators were selected based on the administrator's title or region of jurisdiction. Ten NSLP and 7 FSP interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and collectively grouped by question. Frequency of responses and themes were identified. NSLP administrators said that relaxing eligibility requirements, meal pattern flexibility, and dedication of the staff enabled the program’s success. Lack of communication and local commerce, loss of food and restricted access to more food, and no storage facilities were the major barriers to program implementation. The FSP administrators said the immediate response by the USDA, the prepared foods waiver, dedication of the staff, and temporary issuance sites contributed to successful post-storm implementation of the FSP. Staffing issues and the sheer magnitude of the storms were the biggest barriers after the storms. A decreased burden on administration, the availability of resources, and a committed staff were needed for this successful NSLP and FSP disaster response.