Examining the Dietary Status and its Implications on Perceived Health Status and Food Security of Food Pantry Clients

College of Education and Human Ecology Undergraduate Research ScholarshipHonors and Scholars Summer Research GrantOffice of Diversity and Inclusion Research Grant1st Place, Denman Undergraduate Research Forum 2016The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food security as having "access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life." In 2012, it was estimated that 17.3% of people in Franklin County, Ohio were food insecure. People who are food insecure may experience diet-related health issues, including Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Many also rely on food pantries to meet monthly food needs. While some research has indicated a connection between food insecurity and poor health, more information based on direct communication with food pantry clients can reveal more about dietary intake and the multifaceted challenges clients face related to food purchasing and consumption. This study examines the nutrition, health, and food security status of food pantry clients at Neighborhood Services, Inc. (NSI). A survey, administered to 78 clients, collected data on clients' household food security status, dietary consumption, food environment, fruit and vegetable consumption, and health conditions. A follow-up dietary recall was administered to 30 clients, and an in-depth interview with the NSI director was also conducted. Preliminary results indicate that clients who were food insecure identified barriers (48% for cost and 19% for transportation) that limited their quality of diet. In addition, 54.2% of the population exhibited very low food security and 81.2% of clients were overweight or obese, as compared to national averages of 5.6% and 65.8%, respectively. This study explores the relationships amongst dietary intake, fruit and vegetable consumption, food security, and health outcomes. Understanding these results will provide opportunities to test interventions with clients or the food pantry itself to improve the nutritional quality of foods received and the clients’ health.Honors and Scholars Summer Research GrantCollege of Education and Human Ecology Undergraduate Research ScholarshipOffice of Diversity and Inclusion Research GrantNo embargoAcademic Major: Human Nutritio