Food Banks in Massachusetts supplement food offered to pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters by purchasing nutrient-dense foods to distribute through the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP). The purpose of this study is to assess the nutritional needs of individuals who receive MEFAP foods from The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts through food pantries and the Brown Bag for Elders (BBFE) program. The sample includes over one hundred participants from 13 Pantries and 8 BBFE sites, who were randomly selected and interviewed in-person at the site. Dietary intake was measured by 24-hour recall. Food security and fruit and vegetable intake were measured using screens from national assessment tools. Participants aged 55 and older were administered the DETERMINE screen to identify nutritional risk in the elderly. Data will be analyzed to determine energy and nutrient intake, food security status, and nutritional risk in the population, and to serve as a needs assessment for educational intervention and future MEFAP food purchasing. This project was supported in part by MEFAP and the USDA Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program, UMass Extension.
Learning Objectives: After the session, the learner will be able to identify the nutritional needs of Massachusetts food pantry recipients
Keywords: Food Security, Food and Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.