The Iowa Food Security Project

The Iowa Food Security Project: Pilot Survey of Food Pantry Clients funded by the Iowa Nutrition Network, IDPH, and USDA Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program Kimberly Greder, Steven Garasky, Helen Jensen, and Lois Wright Morton Iowa State University Review of National Studies • 7.67% of Iowa’s population is food insecure (second lowest rate among all states) • • 89,000 households 243,000 Iowans Source: Current Population Survey (1998 - 2000) Iowa Food Security Survey Communities: Iowa Food Security Survey Methodology: • Build on USDA food security instrument • • Su rvey d istribu ted at food pantry sites Survey given to focus groups of individuals with low incomes (i.e., elderly, parents with young children) Iowa Food Security Survey Sometimes/often cut or skipped meals in last 12 months (%) Rural Urban Young Parents 63 Elderly 42 63 29 Iowa Food Security Survey Sometimes/often eat less than should in last 12 months (%) Rural Urban Young Parents 62 Elderly 64 77 44 Iowa Food Security Survey Sometimes/often could not afford balanced meals in last 12 months (%) Rural Urban Young Parents 81 Elderly 65 83 56 Iowa Food Security Survey Food Security Findings Rural Urban Young Elderly Parents 28 58 Food secure (%) Food insecure without hunger (%) Food insecure with hunger (%) 42 21 23 28 39 18 35 51 33 24 Iowa Food Security Survey Discussion— • • • Survey respondents indicated that having enough to eat is a problem in their household. Food insecurity was prevalent among the participants in this study. Results based on these data from Iowa food pantry clients are not representative of any broader population. The Iowa Food Security Project: Focus Group Findings funded by the Iowa Nutrition Network, IDPH, and USDA Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program Kimberly Greder, Steven Garasky, Helen Jensen, and Lois Wright Morton Iowa State University Target Audience Low income Elderly  Parents with young children  Lived in 4 counties Rural (Decatur, Monroe) Urban (Polk, Scott) Iowa Food Security Project Focus group findings – Overall, • • • Will eat less food, fresh fruit and vegetables, and meat, as well as lower quality food because of limited resources Paying bills more important than buying food Public transportation is inconvenient and expensive People will travel and shop at multiple stores for best prices Social support from family, friends, and churches (i.e., food, transportation) is key • • Iowa Food Security Project Focus group findings Parents with young children: • • • • • • Important that children are full vs. having a “healthy diet”. Food assistance is primary source of food. Limited food prep. and resmgmt knowledge/skills. Work doesn’t pay–low wages/decreased benefits. Little control over their lives. Nutrition education influences food purchases, meal planning; strengthens parents’ ability to feed their families. Iowa Food Security Project Focus group findings Elderly: • • • • • • Believe direct relationship with food and health Do not believe they qualify for assistance Trade-off between prescription drugs and food Pride prevents them from participating in FSP They can “make do” with what they have Socially acceptable support: congregate meals, SHARE, Meals on Wheels, Farmers’ Market Senior food vouchers Iowa Food Security Report Card Project Implications • • • Food insecurity - growing concern in Iowa – Need to examine safety net and shape it to support families with conditions they face today Social support – “one size does not fit all” Food security is influenced by conditions at the household, community, and societal levels Need to involve families in shaping program and legislative policies • Iowa Food Security Report Card Project Recommendations: For elderly, • • • • • Targeted outreach efforts Build on their pride and remaining independent Share information through socially acceptable programs Include practical, low-cost nutrition and food preparation information with food resources Partner elderly with young parents to share skills and knowledge Iowa Food Security Report Card Project Recommendations: For parents with young children, • • Information about basic nutritional needs of children and adults, stretching food dollars, and parent influences on child eating habits Information and skill building pertaining to basic food preparation Integrate nutrition education into group settings where parents already are connected •