Covid 19: Food Security Project for Equity

Program Title Food Security Program for Equity The coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a devastating impact on America’s most vulnerable populations, especially as it relates to food insecurity and the ability to access fresh and healthy nutritional foods. According to a recent report from Feeding America, estimates suggests that food insecurity among children during the COVID-19 pandemic has increased from 13.6% to 23.1%. Children who live in public housing are at an even higher risk for food insecurity and eating low-nutrient-density foods, especially during this pandemic. Compared to the general population, public housing residents have higher rates of low food insecurity (6.4% vs 21.8%) and very low food insecurity (4.1% vs 14.5%) (HUD and USDA). Consumption of rates of fresh and healthy nutritional foods are also lower among public housing residents compared to the general population because of a myriad of socioeconomic factors. Children <5 years of age living in public housing are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of food insecurity during this pandemic. This is of particular concern because experiencing food insecurity and having a low-nutrient-dense diet during these critical life periods (<5years) increases their long-term risk for preventable diet-related conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Thus, it is crucial that public health practitioners employed targeted strategies to increase food security and access to fresh and healthy nutritional foods. The goal of this program (FSPE-Food Security Program for Equity) is to promote food security and access to fresh and healthy nutritional foods among children <5 years living in public housing in Lexington, KY. We will adapt and implement an evidence-based multicomponent program called “Brighter Bites” (developed by the University of Utah), which is aimed to decrease food insecurity among children <5 years old and increase healthy eating. Components of the program include direct produce distribution to households with children <5 years old using a food delivery program, nutrition education, and interactive activities. The objectives are as follows. Objective 1: By the end of the grant period, deliver a 5-month multicomponent program that provides weekly boxes of fresh and healthy foods, nutrition education, and activities to 25 households with children <5yrs old who identified as food insecure. Objective 2: By the end of the 5-month program, decrease the number of household participants who are food insecure by 75% or more as demonstrated by a pre-program and post-program evaluation. This program meets the funder’s mission by promoting food security for a predominately African American target population (80%) and a population who is economically disadvantaged.