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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #343386
Title: Barriers to healthy eating among food pantry clients

Author
item DAVE, JAYNA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item SVENDSEN-SANCHEZ, ANN - University Of Houston
item Thompson, Deborah - Debbe
item CULLEN, KAREN - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2017
Publication Date: 6/8/2017
Citation: Dave, J., Svendsen-Sanchez, A., Thompson, D.J., Cullen, K.W. 2017. Barriers to healthy eating among food pantry clients [abstract]. ISBNPA 2017: Advancing Behaviour Change Science. 16th annual conference of the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA). June 7-10, 2017; Victoria, BC Canada. Poster P1.05.16.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This study explored perspectives on barriers of eating healthy among food pantry clients. Food pantry clients participated in focus groups/interviews. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed using content analyses and grounded theory approach. Themes were then identified. Quantitative data were analyzed for frequencies and descriptives. 54 clients from 10 pantries participated in interviews/focus groups and completed questionnaires. Two major themes emerged: concern over obesity and other chronic diseases, and barriers to healthy eating. Several sub-themes for barriers to healthy eating were identified: financial uncertainty, cost of healthy foods, lack of time, rationing food within family, lack of transportation, lack of adequate kitchen equipment, lack of nutrition knowledge and skills, and social support network. Issues identified above and those identified by others working with low-income populations need to be systematically addressed and incorporated into programs and nutrition education interventions for this group.