Following rising unemployment rates and consequent loss of income due to COVID-19, many people have been seeking meal assistance. This study examines the impact of a community-based free meal distribution program during the pandemic in Kentucky, reviewing characteristics of recipients of the program. Demographics, health behaviors, food insecure classification, and rating of importance of the meal program were collected. Qualitative feedback on the impact of the program was collected via open response. Of the 92 participants using the meal service, the cohort was female, Black, 43 years of age (43.5 ± 15.0 years), with a household income under 30,000 USD before COVID, decreased income since COVID, and were food insecure. Recipients rated the importance of the service as 8.7 ± 1.8 (of 10), and those with children indicated the importance as 4.2 ± 1.1 (of 5). Qualitative data on program importance highlighted four response categories including “changed habits”, “mental wellbeing”, “provided resources”, and “other”. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have struggled. Meal assistance programs are a fundamental asset in the community that have seen marketed demand since COVID-19. Collaboration with, and evaluation of, meal assistance programs can be valuable for continued programmatic funding support.
Background Health behaviors, like diet, are influenced by a person’s culture and the society where they reside, contributing to the presence of health disparities within a unique region. Such disparities are evident in Central Appalachia where a unique cultural identity exists. Culture-based initiatives focused on improving food security and other nutritional challenges have had success in other diverse groups, yet similar interventions considering geographically tied culture, like Appalachia, are limited. Aim This study aims to identify specific aspects of Appalachian culture that address food insecurity to inform future initiatives that may improve adult dietary habits and food security status. Methods Qualitative data were collected from five focus groups in one rural Central Appalachian community in 2021 (n=59). Data were analyzed using Grounded Theory Approach. Results Four primary themes related to culture and food insecurity emerged: 1) Community decline and economic hardship 2) Shifts in multigenerational food traditions 3) Response to limited food access and 4) Community decline and economic hardship. Participants revealed adaptations they have made in the face of geographic isolation and poverty and the pride they take in providing for themselves and one another. Conclusion These findings indicate the people of Appalachia are unknowingly leveraging cultural practices to address food insecurity, yet the impact of these practices on nutritional status remains unknown. These results have implications for future studies and interventions in Appalachia which may have greater success by accounting for cultural influences compared to traditional approaches for reducing food insecurity in the region.
Objectives To enhance effectiveness of future health promotion interventions, reasons behind college student health concerns were explored. Methods College students at a U.S. university participated in a cross-sectional study. Results Students (n = 137) were predominately white (80.3%), female (73.0%), 20 years of age (20.3 ± 2.5years), within a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) (24.8 kg/m2) category, had a dietary quality score (short Healthy Eating Index; sHEI) of 39.7% (out of 100%), and identified as wanting to lose weight (51.2%). Students thought about health often (47.9%). Reasons for thinking of their health included, overall well-being (44.6%), body looks (22.4%), mental health (18.2%), and physical fitness (14.9%). Among those concerned with body weight, students were predominately unhappy with their current weight (P < .01). Conclusions Although students were in the healthy range of BMI, sHEI scores were below 40% and body self-acceptance appear limited. Future interventions may benefit from promoting mindful dietary patterns and weight acceptance. Funding Sources University of Kentucky start-up funds
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