Effectiveness of a Low-Cost Solution to Increase Utilization of Community Resources in Preventing Food Insecurity

OBJECTIVES: Food insecurity affected roughly 10.5% of U.S. households in 2020, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. There is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of educational resources provided to low-socioeconomic status (SES) individuals to curb food insecurity. This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of a practical education session regarding how to access affordable, nutrient-dense foods for those affected by food insecurity. METHODS: A total of 102 subjects, aged 32–69 years in low-SES communities participated in a 5-minute nutrition and resource education session. The education session focused on nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy in locating purchase sites with nutrient-dense foods, and self-efficacy in identification of resources that can be utilized for acquiring nutrient-dense foods. Each participant completed a demographic and 5-point, 3-question pretest and posttest survey. The survey measured self-reported understanding of a healthy diet, where to purchase nutrient-dense foods locally, and how to utilize local resources to acquire nutrient-dense foods. Pre-survey data collection and the education session was performed in-person; post-survey data was collected by telephone. Analysis was conducted through Stata with significance at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean pretest to posttest scores increased significantly for self-reported understanding of a healthy diet (p = 0.000), where to purchase nutrient-dense foods locally (p = 0.000), and how to utilize local resources to acquire nutrient-dense foods (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Nutrition and resource education play a valuable role in enabling low-SES individuals to access and consume nutrient-dense food. FUNDING SOURCES: None.