Food Security, Dietary Quality, and Use of Resources are Low among Rural U.S. Veteran Food Pantry Users in a Reaching Rural Veterans Pilot Intervention

Abstract

ObjectiveReaching Rural Veterans (RRV) was a “one stop” longitudinal intervention provided at rural Indiana (IN) and Kentucky (KY) food pantries to enhance resource use among rural, low‐income U.S. Veterans. Characteristics, food security, access to resources, and dietary quality were evaluated at baseline and follow‐up (approximately three months later).DesignRRV included monthly outreach events where food, ancillary services, and education were provided to U.S. Veterans and their families. At baseline (n=234) and follow‐up (n=122) participants completed a characteristics questionnaire and the 18‐item U.S. Household Food Security Module. Up to two Automated Self‐Administered 24‐hour dietary recalls (ASA24s) at baseline (n=28) and follow‐up (n=16) were also completed to quantify dietary intake using the Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (HEI‐2010).SettingParticipants were recruited at ten participating faith‐based food pantries in IN or KY.SubjectsSubjects were U.S. Veteran pantry‐users ≥18 years.ResultsAdult food insecurity was significantly improved at follow‐up compared to baseline (McNemar's test probability: 0.02). The proportion of participants receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, General Assistance, or Assistance from the Township Trustee was significantly greater at follow‐up compared with baseline (McNemar's test probability: 0.02). Mean HEI‐2010 component score for the “Green and Bean” group was also significantly improved (Paired t‐test probability: 0.03) despite no change in total HEI‐2010.ConclusionsThe RRV intervention was delivered to a highly food insecure, rural U.S. Veteran sub‐population. Food security, access to resources, and a component of diet quality improved over the study period.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by contract VA251‐15‐C‐0041 from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Rural Health and the Veterans Affairs Office of Faith‐Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.