Impact of the Social Café Meals program: a qualitative investigation

Allen, Louise; O'Connor, Jacklin N.; Amezdroz, Emily; Bucello, Pieta; Mitchell, Hannah Louise; Thomas, Arabella; Kleve, Sue; Bernardi, Anthony; Wallis, Liza; Palermo, Claire

doi:10.1071/py12102

Cited by 10 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 22 publications

(25 reference statements)

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“…These included oral or injectable multivitamin supplements [ 46 , 54 ] and a vitamin-fortified chocolate paste [ 56 ]. Five studies tested food provision interventions [ 51 , 52 , 55 , 57 , 58 ] ranging from prepared meals provided within organisations [ 55 , 57 ] and access to prepared meals at specified cafes [ 51 , 52 ] to daily food packages given to clients at a tuberculosis clinic [ 58 ]. Multicomponent interventions were assessed in eight studies [ 35 , 36 , 40 – 42 , 45 , 47 , 48 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Interventions for preventing or treating malnutrition in homeless problem-drinkers: a systematic review

Ijaz

Thorley

Porter

et al. 2018

Int J Equity Health

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BackgroundExcessive drinking leads to poor absorption of nutrients and homeless problem-drinkers often have nutritionally inadequate diets. Depletion of nutrients such as vitamin B1 can lead to cognitive impairment, which can hinder efforts to reduce drinking or engage with services. This review aimed to assess effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent or treat malnutrition in homeless problem-drinkers.MethodsWe systematically searched nine electronic databases and 13 grey literature sources for studies evaluating interventions to improve nutrition in homeless populations, without regional or language restrictions. Screening for inclusion was done in duplicate. One reviewer extracted data and assessed risk of bias, and another checked the extractions. Primary outcomes were nutrition status/deficiency, liver damage, and cognitive function. Secondary outcomes included abstinence, comorbidities, resource use, acceptability and engagement with intervention. Results were synthesised narratively.ResultsWe included 25 studies (2 Randomised Controlled Trials; 15 uncontrolled before and after; 7 surveys; 1 case-control). Nine studies evaluated educational and support interventions, five food provision, and three supplement provision. Eight studies evaluated a combination of these interventions. No two interventions were the same, and all studies were at high risk of bias. Nutritional status (intake/ deficiency) were reported in 11 studies and liver function in one.Fruit and vegetable intake improved with some education and support interventions (n = 4 studies) but not others (n = 2). Vitamin supplements appeared to improve vitamin deficiency levels in the blood (n = 2). Free or subsidised meals (n = 4) and food packs (n = 1) did not always fulfil dietary needs, but were usually considered acceptable by users. Some multicomponent interventions improved nutrition (n = 3) but acceptability varied (n = 3). No study reported cost effectiveness.ConclusionsThe evidence for any one intervention for improving malnutrition in homeless problem-drinkers was based on single studies at high risk of bias. Various food and supplement provision interventions appear effective in changing nutritional status in single studies. Educational and multicomponent interventions show improved nutritional behaviour in some studies but not others. Further better quality evidence is required before these interventions can be recommended for implementation. Any future studies should seek the end user input in their design and conduct.Trial registrationRegistered with PROSPERO: CRD42015024247.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The authors reported energy intake to be below recommended levels for clients eating there daily. One study providing food subsidy for meals at a local cafe [ 52 ] reported that people ate more frequently, had weight gain and learnt food preparation skills and healthy eating habits, but quantitative data were not reported (Table 2 ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interventions for preventing or treating malnutrition in homeless problem-drinkers: a systematic review

Ijaz

Thorley

Porter

et al. 2018

Int J Equity Health

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“…Observing a similar initiative to the FJT (a mobile produce market for low‐income consumers) in the USA, Best and Johnson () found that social ties between staff and customers were an important part of providing a service free from shame or stigma. Previous research in Melbourne has also documented the importance of social opportunities in food insecurity interventions (Allen et al, ). This study evaluated a programme for individuals experiencing food insecurity who were offered subsidised meals in mainstream cafés.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Previous research in Melbourne has also documented the importance of social opportunities in food insecurity interventions (Allen et al, 2014). This study evaluated a programme for individuals experiencing food insecurity who were offered subsidised meals in mainstream cafés.…”

Section: The Potential Of Novel Food Aid Programmes As Settings Formentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of social enterprise in food insecurity among asylum seekers

Haines

McKay

Dunn

et al. 2018

Health Soc Care Community

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People seeking asylum in high-income countries are vulnerable to food insecurity due to limited opportunities for social and economic participation. Given this vulnerability, nongovernment organisations are attempting to improve food security outcomes through targeted programmes. This study explored the role of a subsidised mobile fresh fruit and vegetable market (the Food Justice Truck-FJT) on the experience of food insecurity for people seeking asylum living in Melbourne, Australia. This research uses a mixed methods approach, employing surveys and semistructured interviews to explore the lived experiences of asylum seekers using the FJT, including their experiences of food insecurity. Half of the asylum seekers interviewed in this study were found to be experiencing food insecurity. Participants in this study sourced food from multiple locations, with the FJT providing a supplemental, but highly valued source of fresh produce. The FJT was identified as positive social setting for some participants included in this research. This research has identified the ability of programmes such as the FJT to act as positive social settings.

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“…Australia has a number of food-related social enterprises (for example, Food Ladder— ). However, research on these enterprises is largely absent or small in scale [ 25 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Food-Based Social Enterprises and Asylum Seekers: The Food Justice Truck

et al. 2018

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People seeking asylum in high-income countries are vulnerable to food insecurity due to limited opportunities for social and economic participation. While charity organizations have long sought to provide food aid to those in need, the increasing number of people seeking this assistance requires alternatives. Using a case study approach, this research investigates The Food Justice Truck, which is a social enterprise designed to provide low cost, nutritious food to people seeking asylum with an aim to reduce the food insecurity burden. Twenty-seven people seeking asylum completed a structured interview (n = 15) or a semi-structured interview (n = 12). The majority of participants were female (n = 20) with an average age of 38.3 years (Standard Deviation (SD) 7.3; range 30–59) and over half were from Iran (n = 16, 59.2%) with most holding a temporary visa to stay in Australia (n = 15, 55.5%). Two key findings were identified including the fact that the FJT is at risk of creating and perpetuating a power imbalance. However, as a social setting, the FJT has the potential to promote and enable a social connection and create a positive experience. This research study adds valuable information to the literature by providing research on one alternative to traditional food aid. It was found that alternatives to traditional food aid may play a role in reducing the food security burden.

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Impact of the Social Café Meals program: a qualitative investigation

Cited by 10 publications

References 22 publications

Interventions for preventing or treating malnutrition in homeless problem-drinkers: a systematic review

Interventions for preventing or treating malnutrition in homeless problem-drinkers: a systematic review

The role of social enterprise in food insecurity among asylum seekers

Food-Based Social Enterprises and Asylum Seekers: The Food Justice Truck

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