Introduction: Community-based healthy food access initiatives can multisolve across dimensions of well-being, strengthen cross-cultural connection, and build community wealth for small, minority-owned farmers through sales into wholesale markets. Due to historical and persistent systemic inequities, many growers encounter barriers including training, language, equipment, and the technology needed to access and benefit from these opportunities. Our project piloted an approach that sought to more deeply understand and address these barriers to create more equitable opportunities for growers across our region.

Methods: This project connected Hmong growers with opportunities to grow for markets and wholesale buyers. Strategies included: 1) identify readiness of Hmong farmers to grow for wholesale outlets, 2) provide training, equipment, and cropping planning, and 3) establish crop plans and purchase commitments with wholesale buyers. We collected data on actual versus projected sales among the Hmong growers. We also conducted interviews with the Hmong growers to generate lessons learned.

Results: Our actual sales exceeded our projected sales. Discussions with our growers revealed: 1) Invoicing versus getting paid immediately through cash sales caused anxiety among growers (due to its novelty). This process improved with trust and time. 2) Growers are willing to grow new and different products to meet wholesale demands. 3) Growers were thrilled to grow to wholesale buyers like schools, professional sports teams, and restaurants.

Discussion: With flexibility in mind, this project confirmed that connecting local food producers to local food needs is an effective emerging strategy for increasing healthy food access while simultaneously supporting small, local farms.

Background Food insecurity (FI) is a significant health-related social need and is associated with multiple forms of economic stress and structural violence. We hypothesize that FI is associated with poorer clinical outcomes, such as injury severity score, trauma recidivism, length of stay, and mortality, among gunshot wound (GSW) patients.

Methods Between February 2021 and February 2024, 315 GSW patients were treated for firearm-related injuries at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center (JHMC). Sociodemographic, geographic, and clinical characteristics were obtained from the Electronic Health Record (EHR). FI data was obtained from DATA2GO.NYC, which uses federal, state, and city data to provide information on critical issues. Multivariate logisitic regression analyses were performed using R. Models were adjusted for race, ethnicity, age, and assigned sex at birth.

Results The GSW patients were primarily Black or African American (73%), male (91%), and non Hispanic or Latino (84%). The median age at admission was 29 years old. Based on the reported rate of FI in their neighborhoods, patients were categorized into three risk groups: low (50%), average (46%), and high (4%). High FI GSW patients had 9.13 times greater odds (OR 9.13, 95% CI 1.07 - 64.97, p=.026) of returning to JHMC with new injuries and 3.21 times greater odds (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.07 - 10.82, p=.044) of enrolling in a hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP) than average FI GSW patients.

Conclusion The strong association between FI, trauma recidivism, and HVIP enrollment suggests a need for public health action to formulate strategies to address the community’s food needs.

Introduction. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is critical in achieving food security, yet many eligible individuals do not enroll. In 2018, New Jersey was over the national average of those eligible but not enrolled for these benefits, including families whose children are eligible for free and reduced school meals. The difference between those who are eligible for SNAP and those who participate in the program creates the SNAP Gap. To understand the SNAP Gap, this study aimed to explore barriers to signing up for SNAP among families participating in free and reduced school meals.

Methods. This two-year study interviewed SNAP-eligible caregivers of school-aged children across New Jersey. Interviews with school administrators and staff were conducted to gain their perspectives on why eligible families are not enrolled in SNAP. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for thematic analysis. Strategies to increase the promotion of SNAP in schools were implemented and assessed during the second project year.

Results. In this session, the presenter will share 1) the barriers identified by participants regarding their SNAP knowledge and enrollment experiences; 2) feedback from school administrations and staff on recruiting food-insecure families in the study, and 3) results from schools that pilot-tested solutions to increase SNAP enrollment among eligible families.

Discussion. This project centered on the voices of residents with lived experience through focus groups exploring the barriers to signing up for SNAP. Study findings will inform recommendations around effective strategies to approach SNAP enrollment and reduce food insecurity among families in New Jersey.

The American Diabetes Association makes a strong case for devoting more resources to Diabetes Care and Innovative Programming. West Dayton, OH has one of the highest levels of health vulnerability in the state. Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes and Poor Mental Health all rank high. In addition, the diverse Trotwood neighborhood is a Food Desert as defined by Food Access Atlas. CareSource (health insurance company) partnered with Greater Dayton YMCA to build a Teaching Kitchen (TKC) inside a newly built YMCA in the Trotwood community. TKC is equipped with replicable home tools mirror the environment stocked with items located in accessible community stores (Walgreens, Dollar General, Mini Market). The program employs Certified Culinary Chef, Nurse Diabetes Educator, and Registered Dietician with lived experience and cultural association to deliver 90 minute session. Each participant receives home kitchen tool (air fryer, kitchen set, or crock pot) and 6-month membership to YMCA. After class Care Managers conduct outreach linking to additional resources, YMCA enrollment assistance. To date, 45 high risk Members have participated. Post class surveys indicate high social needs,100% satisfaction with program, and self-reported weight loss. Initial claims monitoring suggest decrease in ER utilization, re-initiation of services such as mental health therapy and Physician office visits. One Member reported having agoraphobia and avoided leaving her home in 2 years since the pandemic. She now reports better condition management and replicating class recipes. Class Alumni assert social influence in testimonials and organic peer support unprompted. Future class registrations remain full.

Introduction: Wichealth is a parent-child feeding education platform currently used nearly two million times per year by WIC clients in 31 states and 15 tribal organizations (ITOs). This study aimed to determine whether Wichealth modifies WIC client program retention and electronic benefits (EBT) usage by USDA food category groups.

Approach: WIC client clinic attendance records, EBT transactions, and Wichealth system usage data were combined for WIC clients from several Wichealth state and ITO agency partners to analyze usage impact on WIC client clinic attendance and EBT usage behaviors. A retrospective cohort study matched client groups defined by exposure to Wichealth by client location, race, Latino ethnicity, pregnancy status, and age group. Mean differences with 95% confidence intervals in clinic attendance and EBT usage rates per person year observed were compared between clients with and those without prior Wichealth use.

Results: 89,245 WIC clients were matched into a Wichealth exposed cohort of 29,965 clients and an unexposed cohort of 59,280 clients. Wichealth exposed clients averaged 3.20 clinic visits per person year post exposure, significantly more than those unexposed to Wichealth. EBT transaction quantities per person year were significantly higher among the Wichealth exposed in four USDA food categories, including bread/whole grains, breakfast cereal, fruits and vegetables, and milk.

Conclusion: Clinic retention and EBT purchase quantities associated with USDA food category groups were significantly higher among those exposed to Wichealth. These results are consistent with Wichealth lesson curricula focused on increasing consumption of healthy whole grain, fruit, vegetable and dairy food options.

Introduction

Anti-Asian discrimination has risen due to political rhetoric and a reawakening of the perpetual foreigner stereotype. The public health response has been increased research on discrimination experiences and resulting detrimental impacts on mental health, substance use, and routine transit for food/healthcare. To shift the public health discourse towards asset-based prevention strategies to address anti-Asian discrimination, we propose harnessing the power of traditions around food as a mechanism to celebrate individual culture and fortify Asian American communities from within.

Approach

Resilience against negative impacts of racial discrimination is bolstered by a strong sense of ethnic/bicultural identity. However, strengthening biculturalism/ethnic identity in Asian Americans remains an underexplored topic within public health research. Recognizing the strong connection between food and identity for Asian Americans, we conducted a narrative review of existing grey/ published literature on the relationships between food and ethnic identity and spotlight models demonstrating how food can foster ethnic identity development at the individual, interpersonal, and community levels.

Results

Existing efforts are driven by grassroots programs that center Asian foods; few efforts exist in public health research. Approaches that focus on culturally significant foods for Asian Americans and motivate reconnection/acceptance of family and heritage include culturally-tailored, community-based nutrition programs, nutrition education and multi-sector efforts to establish inclusive spaces fostering resilience and a sense of belonging (i.e., ensuring people feel integral to community fabric).

Discussion

Programs that center foods with cultural significance may be an innovative avenue to address anti-Asian racism by edifying ethnic identity.

Introduction: Food and nutrition insecurity impact millions in the U.S, especially individuals living on low incomes, with many qualifying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Rigid SNAP guidelines may lead to unlawful benefit trading for cash or goods, a phenomenon not well-documented in the literature, likely due to its illegality. Our study employed a "social sensing approach" to indirectly measure SNAP trading prevalence by asking participants about their social contacts' activities, thus avoiding direct inquiries into illegal actions.

Methods: Using data from the L.A. County sample of the Understanding America Study (N = 1,102), we estimate the prevalence of SNAP trading in L.A. County based on respondents’ reports of numbers of (1) social contacts, (2) social contacts who received SNAP benefits, and (3) SNAP-receiving social contacts they believed engaged in SNAP trading.

Results: The social-sensing derived estimate of SNAP receipt in L.A. County was statistically similar to the known value of 16%, lending credence to the methods’ validity. Among respondents who knew a SNAP recipient, 9% reported knowing someone who sold their SNAP benefits. Reports were more likely among respondents identifying as Non-Hispanic Black, Non-Hispanic Asian, or nutrition insecure, and less likely among respondents who received SNAP. Other variables, such as income or education were not significant predictors.

Conclusion: This study confirms the potential of a social-sensing approach to estimate the prevalence of SNAP trading and emphasizes the need for policies that better address the limitations of SNAP, and consider the broader financial needs of low-income individuals.

Introduction: The "Daily Food Guide" assists Taiwanese individuals in achieving a balanced diet across six major food categories. While most studies focus on individual categories, achieving balance necessitates intake from all. This study aims to comprehend the prevalence and related factors influencing adherence to the Taiwanese Daily Food Guide among the population.

Approach: This study utilized data from the National Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) conducted from 2017 to 2020, involving a representative sample of individuals aged 18 and above(n=6748). Dietary intake was assessed based on Taiwan's " Daily Food Guide " for six major food groups, adjusted for gender, age, and physical activity level. Adherence to the "Daily Food Guide" (0-7 points) was categorized and correlated with socio-demographic factors and lifestyle habits through chi-square and t-tests. Logistic regression further analyzed related factors.

Results: From 2017 to 2020, less than 30% of Taiwanese met the recommended intake for all food groups. Notably, 37.3% did not meet any recommendation, while only 5.88% adhered to three or more groups. Dairy (6.94%) and legume, fish, egg, and meat (42.7%) intake were notably inadequate. Further analysis will focus on individuals' characteristics and related factors, using binary classification (adherence to at ≥3 food groups).

Discussion: The results indicate a general lack of adherence to the " Daily Food Guide " among Taiwanese individuals, particularly regarding dairy consumption. Exploring related characteristics can facilitate personalized dietary and nutritional recommendations based on these guidelines and assess the effectiveness of relevant policies.

Introduction:

African Americans (AAs) persistently have worse cardiovascular health (CVH) than other racial/ethnic groups, which is attributed in part to unhealthy diets. This study aimed to explore dietary behaviors driving suboptimal dietary quality among AA adults enrolled in the FAITH! (Fostering African-American Improvement in Total Health!) Program.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional, secondary analysis of the FAITH! Trial, a cluster randomized controlled trial among AA adults testing a mHealth lifestyle intervention. Participants completed a culturally tailored, validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline (2020). Data were summarized by descriptive statistics [mean±standard deviation (SD) or frequency (%)] and categorized into a CVH diet score (0-5 points) and nutritional components according to the American Heart Association CVH rubric.

Results:

Participants (N=62, mean age ±SD: 54±11.8 years, 69% women) were of high cardiometabolic risk (obesity [74%], hypertension [55%], diabetes [26%], hyperlipidemia [42%]), with the majority having poor (0-1 points) CVH diet scores (64.5%). Participants had a mean 3±1.5 cups/day of fruits and vegetables, 1.3±0.8 oz/day of whole grains, 4.2±1.8 grams/day of sodium, 10.6±22.1 oz/week of fish, and 43±59 oz/week of sugar-sweetened beverages. Mean total energy (daily calories, kcal) intake was 2200.6±891.3 with daily macronutrient intake (grams) and top 3 food group contributors consisting of 242.9±119.1 carbohydrates (fruit, juice, chips), 94.6±38.4 fat (chips, dairy-cheese, processed meats), 91.4±38.5 protein (fish, dairy-cheese, beef), and 17.6±6.6 fiber (vegetables, fruit, chips).

Discussion:

Our study provides insight into dietary patterns related to CVH among AAs. These findings may inform design of multi-component interventions to promote ideal CVH and CVH equity.

Introduction: Food insecurity (FI) affects 17 million U.S. households, significantly impacting perinatal individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). The Clinical Community Partnership pilot targets FI through a three-pronged approach: implementation of a screening tool; distribution of food education resources; and an on-site food pantry with food purchasing support. This initiative aims to enhance maternal health outcomes and bolster fetal and infant development by addressing key social determinants of health.

Approach: The pilot utilized a cross-sectional design with a sequential mixed methods approach integrating participant and clinician input. Pre- and post-implementation clinician surveys evaluated FI awareness and resource familiarity. Participant surveys assessed the impact and provided qualitative input on the program.

Results: 19 patients and 4 clinicians were included in the pilot. Results identified improved FI screening rates, increased food access for participants, and enhanced nutritional prenatal care. All 19 participants unanimously identified themselves as either at risk or actively experiencing FI. A noted finding emerged from the data—all participants with advanced maternal age (≥35 years) reported greater FI than did younger participants.

Discussion: This quality improvement program addressed a critical gap in FI interventions for perinatal people with SUD, underlining the importance of adequate nutrition as a human right crucial for health and development. Participant feedback illustrated the program's success in mitigating FI and underscored the efficacy of a clinical community partnership with onsite resources to address clients’ needs.