Economic and Cultural Assessment of the DASH Eating Plan for Low-Income African Americans: An Integrative Review.

Diet is one modifiable risk factor for hypertension. The low-sodium DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, there is a lack of available health information on the economic feasibility and cultural acceptability of DASH for low-income African American (AA) populations who are at the most risk for hypertension.

Food Insecurity Knowledge and Training Among College Students in Health Majors.

Objective: To describe current food insecurity (FI)-related training among nutrition/dietetics, public health, and social work students.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was used among students (n = 306) enrolled in health-related programs at 12 US universities. Participants reported FI-related course-based and extracurricular experiences and rated confidence to address FI on a scale of 1-3.

Food security as a basic need: College students need greater support from institutional administration.

Food insecurity among college students has become a growing concern, with reports documenting its prevalence for over a decade. As the demographics of university and college students change, with more first-generation, nontraditional, and minority students, the risk of food insecurity is heightened. This viewpoint contends that food security is an essential basic need among college students, and when left unmet, it significantly impacts their well-being, resulting in an increased risk of poor academic performance or departure from higher education before degree completion.

Food Security and Diet Quality Improvements among At-Risk, Low-Income, Older Adults following a Free Meal Pilot Program.

Older adults are at a greater risk for food insecurity compared to the general population. This study aimed to describe changes in diet quality and food insecurity following a free meal program at low-income, older adult housing complexes. Study participants were recruited from two low-income older adult public housing complexes in Kentucky.

Advancing college food security: priority research gaps.

Despite over a decade of both quantitative and qualitative studies, food insecurity among US college/university students remains a pervasive problem within higher education. The purpose of this perspective piece was to highlight research gaps in the area of college food insecurity and provide rationale for the research community to focus on these gaps going forward. A group of food insecurity researchers from a variety of higher education institutions across the United States identified five thematic areas of research gaps: screening and estimates of food insecurity; longitudinal changes in food insecurity; impact of food insecurity on broader health and academic outcomes; evaluation of impact, sustainability and cost effectiveness of existing programmes and initiatives; and state and federal policies and programmes.

Creating a culture that supports food security and health equity at higher education institutions.

Food insecurity on college campuses is a major public health problem and has been documented for the last decade. Sufficient food access is a crucial social determinant of health, thus campuses across the country have implemented various programmes, systems and policies to enhance access to food which have included food pantries, campus gardens, farmers' markets, meal share or voucher programmes, mobile food applications, campus food gleaning, food recovery efforts, meal deliveries and task force/working groups. However, little is understood about how to best address food insecurity and support students who are struggling with basic needs.

Campus-based programmes to address food insecurity vary in leadership, funding and evaluation strategies.

College food insecurity is a known detriment to student success, but little is known about the implementation of campus-based programmes to help address this issue on campus in the United States. The objective of this research study was to determine the types of food insecurity initiatives implemented and assess how such programmes are managed, funded, and evaluated. A cross-sectional, 23-item online survey was administered among individuals involved with campus food insecurity initiatives identified through professional networks.

Exploring Perceived Importance of a Novel Emergency Food Program during COVID-19 and Program Recipient Characteristics.

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.