Evaluation results of culturally tailored nutrition education to Latinos in food bank food distribution lines

A quasi-experimental study was conducted by the California Association of Food Banks, in collaboration with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, to assess the effectiveness of short nutrition education lessons with primarily Latino food bank clients standing in monthly food distribution lines.  Review of the literature found virtually no research on nutrition education in food distribution lines. A convenience sample of 261 SNAP participating food bank clients (85% Latino) at six different food distribution intervention sites was compared to 254 similar convenience sample clients (95% Latino) at six control sites. Interactive MyPlate-based nutrition education lessons, culturally tailored to a Spanish speaking population, with tastings, focused on increasing nutrition knowledge and consumption of food bank provided fresh fruits and vegetables.  Clients received two educational exposures over a two-month period with post-test data gathered in the third month. The results showed that, compared to the controls, 10-15 minute small group (walk-the-line) education in food distribution lines was associated with intervention clients’ statistically significant and greater use of MyPlate for preparing food portions, preparation of food bank featured produce recipes, and purchase of featured produce items at a store. Qualitative data found that MyPlate influenced participants to add more vegetables to their meals, eat smaller portions, and cook healthier foods for their families. This study showed that a short and focused culturally tailored nutrition education intervention, conducted within food distribution line time constraints, can impact preparation of nutritious foods and consumption-related behaviors of Latinos.