How nutrition education to low income families can help reduce food insecurity
Overview People who experience food insecurity typically do not have access to adequate food for a healthy lifestyle, which can have negative effects on their health. Food insecurity creates differences in the way individuals consume food because it is unhealthy food that is at a low cost to purchase. Education on nutrition aids people in maintaining a healthier lifestyle overall. Food insecurity can be decreased by programs that educate low-income families on resource management and dietary decisions. Exact outcomes rely on the demographics of participants and the delivery of programs.This paper addresses how nutrition education can help low income families curb the issue of food insecurity. Social, cultural, and organizational factors that contribute to food insecurity in low income households Household food insecurity remains as one of the most serious social as well as public health problems in US. The greatest prevalence of food insecurity is among American families with children. There are many negative health outcomes that are associated with food insecurity including increased infection risk, poor physical health, decreased sleep quality , micro nutrient deficiencies, lower academic performance among children and adverse mental and behavioral changes on individuals and families. A study by Lindow et al. (2021) that utilized photovoice methodology revealed that the environment that one is in promotes unhealthy eating culture. Parents from low income families were able to describe the various food environments that facilitated unhealthy eating habits. They took photos of fast food restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores and food distribution websites where they normally buy their food. These environments offer low prices on their foods and they have excessively available unhealthy foods that encourage frequent consumption of unhealthy foods. Such foods include fried chicken and soda. Fruits and vegetables in these stores are usually expensive, thus, not favorable options for low income households. It is quite sad that low income caregivers cannot afford orange juice and they have to feed their families the less nutritious Koolaid and Sunny Delight as the photos submitted depicted. There are various federal assistance programs which provide not only monetary support but also nutrition education to low income earners and this has been proven to alleviate household food insecurity. These programs include Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). They provide people with the proper training on food resource management. They also cover topics like food selection, food preparation, meal planning, shopping and cooking strategies, and budgeting for optimal use of constrained resources to maximize nutritional value (Jomaa et al., 2020). Economic Impact There is a correlation between food insecurity and income. However, low income is not the only factor that facilitate food insecurity. It is influence by a range of other financial, environmental, and geographical factors. Numerous studies have been focusing on the relationship between financial management practices and food insecurity. It has previously been assumed that those with proper financial management skills are at a lower risk of food insecurity whereas those that do not pay much attention to better financial management practices are more vulnerable to facing food insecurity. However, it takes more than financial management to ensure food security in a household. The caregiver’s attitude and confidence towards the whole process of preparing and providing food on the table also matters a lot (Jomaa et al., 2020). If nutrition education on how to handle low income to help reduce food insecurity is provided to low income earners, then the economy will be positively affected as more people will be healthy and working optimally. Political Ramifications Bipartisan Support This topic has the potential to gain support from all sides due to its focus on addressing food poverty, offering a practical and perhaps economical long-term solution. Some may see this as an indication of the level of cooperation among legislators. The Child Nutrition Act and the Farm Bill, which includes SNAP programme and others focused on improving food security not only in the US but also worldwide, offer Congress a vital chance to enhance nutrition programs, resulting in improved American health. The year 2022 is for the first renewal, while 2023 is for the second. Lawmakers should adjust SNAP payments to reflect the present economic conditions and potential future problems due to the pandemic's impact on food insecurity. Several significant ideas have been introduced in Congress to enhance SNAP's food security. For instance, implementing the Closing the Meal Gap Act (R. 4077/S.2192) will help achieve nutritional equality for all Americans by using the more suitable Low-Cost Food Plan to calculate SNAP payments, increase their minimum amount, and expand coverage to U.S. territories. Improving Access to Nutrition Act (R. 1753) aims to remove time limits for SNAP eligibility to ensure that individuals may receive food stamps while seeking full-time employment. The initiative aims to assist jobless or underemployed individuals by broadening food stamp eligibility and striving to promote racial and health fairness. The Enhanced Access to SNAP Act (R. 1919/S. 2515) was presented to provide low-income college students with access to SNAP benefits. Individuals with felony convictions related to drug trafficking would be eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP) benefits under the Making Essentials Available and Lawful Act (R. 2837). Furthermore, (Muller, 2022) asserts that the removal of asset constraints for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP) participants under the ASSET Act (1809/H.R. 3822) will lead to more involvement and the opportunity to achieve financial security while receiving nutrition assistance. Muller (2021) asserts that Several states are using their resources, including funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP), to address the urgent problem of food security. Nevertheless, these efforts need to supported by more extensive tactics that are long-term. In 2021, the Maryland legislature created a food system resilience council to address pandemic-induced food insecurity, suggest equitable and sustainable policies to enhance food systems in the long term, and develop a strategyfor increased production and consumption of locally grown food (Muller, 2021). The legislature has requested financing for distributing surplus food, enhancing food storage, and providing emergency food distribution to meet increasing need. Other local and state governments should consider modern strategies to address food insecurity and focus on transitioning from temporary measures to lasting solutions such as nutrition education. Public Perception Supporting this proposal will show the public that Congress is actively addressing urgent social issues, thereby enhancing their reputation. They can see an increase in backing from those affected by food insecurity due to this. Research indicates that there is a connection between housing assistance and food insecurity due to housing expenses, suggesting that low-income households can struggle to purchase food. Providing housing aid, particularly via public housing and sufficient monetary support, might reduce food insecurity. Low-income households experiencing food insecurity owing to housing expense stress need a comprehensive assessment of current housing assistance initiatives. Major influences that shape this issue of food insecurity Economic Factors Poverty and unemployment rates are important economic factors that determine the extent of food insecurity. Many low-income families have the challenge of affording healthy food, which exacerbates their food insecurity. Despite the record-breaking employment market and robust economic recovery, food inflation is still significant, making food insecurity a problem for many Americans, especially the poor (Muller, 2022). Along with a general rise in costs for food, inflation reached a 40-year high of 7.9% between February 2021 and February 2022. In the two years between February 2021 and February 2022, for instance, the cost of meat, poultry, fish, and eggs rose by thirteen percent. High food costs significantly impact food accessibility and affordability, according to (Lindow et al., 2022). Households with lower incomes will feel these price hikes the most since food and other needs consume a larger portion of their income. At 7 percent of income in 2020, food was the largest expense for families in the top income quartile, while the lowest income quartile spent almost 25% of their income on food. Parents' personal accounts of food insecurity are crucially detailed in this study. The authors of this article cover a wide range of topics, including the effects of their food environment, the strategies they employ to make ends meet, the toll that food insecurity takes on their mental health, and their efforts to normalize their diet through the use of special foods. Access to Healthy Food A person's nutrition and food selection may be affected by the availability and accessibility of nutritious alternatives, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Lower-income communities have a higher propensity to reside in food deserts, geographical areas characterized by restricted access to affordable and nutritious food options. In the review by Landers (2007), parents discussed the various ways in which their food environment influenced them to consume hazardous foods. Unhealthy, excessively processed foods that contained a significant amount of added sugar were not only easily accessible but were frequently promoted aggressively through the use of signs and low prices. Conversely, nourishing food alternatives such as fresh produce, fruit juice, and comparable products were either scarce or unaffordable for the majority of individuals. The findings indicate that low-income households are simultaneously hindered from adopting a nutritious diet by three systemic barriers: Racial disparities in the accessibility of grocery stores, the endorsement of detrimental food, beverages in low-income communities opposite direction of the relationship between cost and energy density. Education and Awareness Inadequate nutrition knowledge and poor eating habits may worsen each other (Landers, 2007). Nutrition education courses may help families make better dietary choices by providing them with the necessary skills. In 1981, Congress modified the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to authorize the Secretary to provide food and nutrition education to food stamp programme participants, utilizing methods and techniques from other programs, to promote the purchase of healthy foods. This marked the commencement of food stamp nutrition education. State agencies were given the chance to seek matching cash from the USDA for nutrition education for food stamp beneficiaries under the Farm Bill of 1990, enabling them to administer the programme. Research carried out by Landers (2007) asserts that enhancing beneficiaries' decision-making would improve the sustainability of the feeding programme. Reducing the occurrence of obesity issues linked to food stamps might be accomplished via education. Government Policies Government nutrition education and food aid initiatives, such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition aid initiatives (SNAP), aim to reduce food insecurity. Changing these rules could affect the food and other resources that low-income families can access. To assist low-income households in reducing their HFI status, nutrition and health education programs such as SNAP-Ed and WIC should place greater emphasis on carers' self-efficacy and confidence in managing food resources effectively (Jomaa et al., 2020). Carers could use the suggestions to help their children eat healthier and more varied meals. Caretakers may also have a significant impact on children's early food experiences via their feeding practices, social modelling of healthy eating habits, and regulation of the quantity and quality of food supplied to the child. Beneficiaries A long-term solution to food insecurity may lay in providing low-income families with nutrition education. This strategy has the potential to enhance health outcomes for all populations, but especially for children at risk of malnutrition, by empowering families with the information they need to make better dietary choices (Landers, 2007). Improving people's and families' health and well-being in the long run is one way that combating food insecurity via education might help end poverty. The potential advantages of nutrition education programmes much surpass any difficulties that may arise from establishing and financing such programmes. (Seo & Park, 2021) adds that policymakers can cut healthcare costs, enhance the health and quality of life for low-income families, and build a more equitable and sustainable food system by investing in nutrition education. As a whole, helping low-income families with nutrition education is a great way to combat food insecurity and improve people's health and happiness. Why Nutrition Education is a Priority Food insecurity has been a critical health problem in the USA over the past few decades. Many people in the country are facing limited or uncertain availability of safe and nutritious foods. According to Lindow et al. (2022), as of 2019, 10.5% of all the households in the US were facing food insecurity with the prevalence being higher in households with children (13.6%). The prevalence went even higher (28.7%) in households that were headed by single mothers. Those who face food insecurity are more vulnerable to problems such as poorer overall health, higher levels of diabetes as well as other chronic illnesses and lower nutrient intake. Food insecurity has also been linked to adverse mental health outcomes in parents, especially mothers. There are many factors that could explain the observed associations between food insecurity and negative health outcomes and these include neighborhood risk factors, psychological distress, and poor access to healthy food. An unhealthy nation is a an unproductive nation and if the US wants to remain the super power that it has been, it must address the issue of food insecurity. It does not make sense that the richest country in the world has people who go without food. The strategies used by low-income households to manage and cope with food insecurity also contribute to the relationship between physical and mental health outcomes and food insecurity. Some of the strategies might be of help, such as the use of social support networks and getting nutrition education, while other strategies might be harmful and these include becoming isolated and experiencing stress. Limited access to foods has forced most families to shift their food resources, employ strategies to cost-save on grocery, change meal patterns and adapted the existing resources to fit the household food supply. Some parents have also found themselves reducing the size of their meals, skipping some meals, and relying on low-cost takeaway meals. When things get really bad, some low-income mothers have reported borrowing food from extended family and neighbors, stealing, using food stamps, and going hungry for days and these experiences have resulted in lasting impacts (Landers, 2007). The study by Lindow et al. (2021) utilized Photovoice methodology to explores how caregivers provide food for their families within a food insecurity context. A strategy that the caregivers submitted they use to fit their low income is going to grocery and convenience stores where food items are cheaper as compared to other stores, for instance, the dollar store. Parents also planted their own gardens and grew their own food as another coping strategy. Also, getting food items from Imperfect Foods for less amount of money is a strategy that worked for one of the parents. These strategies can be included in the nutrition education programs for low income families to alleviate food insecurity by getting more for less. Another study by Jomaa et al. (2020) assessed the need for a caregiver to be self-confident in her/his decisions concerning planning for the low income to provide for the family and reduce food insecurity. The researchers compared the confidence levels of caregivers in food secure and food insecure households. They found out that the caregivers in the food secure households were more confident in making the best decisions as far as feeding their families nutritious foods was concerned. For instance, 49% of the caregivers in the food secure households submitted that they use a shopping list when doing grocery shopping while 33% of caregivers in food insecure households submitted that they use a shopping list. The association between food resource management self-confidence and household food insecurity was studied and it was found out that those with higher self confidence had lower chances of household food insecurity (OR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.87, p = 0.012). Therefore, nutrition education which includes food resource management might give caregivers more self-confidence on how to handle their food insecurity conditions, thus, improving the situation. Matias et al. (2021) set out to examine the effect of nutrition education on university students with food insecurity. This was done by introducing a nutrition course with a teaching kitchen to the university with an aim to determine how food insecurity concerns and stress changed among students who took the course. Basic nutrition and culinary concepts were taught and students got to cook in the kitchen. The researchers assessed food security using the USDA Six-Item Food Security Module and stress levels measured using the Perceived Stress Scale. The data analysis comparing pre and post course results showed an increased food security (from 48% to 70%) as well as lower stress levels /(from mean 19.7 to 18.1) among the participants. This also serves as an indicator that nutrition education could be an effective response to food insecurity in low income individuals Other viable options/positions regarding this issue. One option is to enhance existing food assistance programs, such as SNAP and WIC, to include more nutrition education and support services. This could help ensure that families not only have access to food but also have the knowledge to make healthy choices. The study by Jomaa et al. (2020) provides support for enhancing food assistance programs, such as SNAP-Ed, to include more nutrition education and support services. The research found that caregivers' self-confidence in food resource management was associated with a lower risk of household food insecurity among SNAP-Ed-eligible Head Start families. This suggests that providing caregivers with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage food resources can help reduce food insecurity. Enhancing food assistance programs to include more comprehensive nutrition education could empower caregivers and families to make healthier food choices, manage their food resources more effectively, and ultimately reduce their risk of food insecurity. Collaborating with Community Organizations Working with community organizations and non-profits that are already active in low-income communities can be an effective way to deliver nutrition education and support services. These organizations often have a deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing these communities. The study by Seo and Park (2021) highlights the complex interplay between food insecurity and housing affordability among low-income families. Collaborating with community organizations can be justified in this context as these organizations often have direct access to and understanding of the needs of low-income families facing housing affordability challenges. By working with these organizations, policymakers can address the root causes of food insecurity, such as high housing costs, and provide holistic support to families in need. Community organizations can also play a vital role in delivering targeted interventions, such as providing emergency food assistance or connecting families with social services, which can help alleviate food insecurity among low-income families. Problems associated with this position A significant barrier is the potential material and financial repercussions of expanding food assistance programmes to include nutrition education and support services. In light of the current fiscal climate, it may be challenging to secure the additional funds required to initiate and expand these programmes. Effective service delivery may encounter logistical challenges, including the need to reach remote or disadvantaged regions and ensure that services are culturally sensitive and accessible. Moreover, stigmatization and paternalism are major concerns. The integration of mandatory nutrition education into food assistance programmes might engender feelings of stigmatization or helplessness among specific families and individuals. As a result, individuals might be hesitant to participate in these programmes, thereby diminishing their effectiveness. Additionally, there is a risk of disregarding the unique challenges encountered by various individuals and groups in favour of general solutions that are ineffective for them. Lastly, instead of focusing on helping low income households manage their finances better, it would be a great idea to look for ways to increase their income as this would help them have food security. Their finances are already too stretched and trying to educate them further on how to manage their resources might prove to be unwelcome and ineffective. References Jomaa, L., Na, M., Eagleton, S. G., Diab-El-Harake, M., & Savage, J. S. (2020). Caregiver’s self-confidence in food resource management is associated with lower risk of household food insecurity among SNAP-Ed-eligible head start families. Nutrients, 12(8), 2304. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/8/2304 Landers, P. S. (2007). The Food Stamp Program: history, nutrition education, and impact. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 107(11), 1945-195 https://www-cambridge-org.ezproxy.monmouth.edu/core/journals/public-health- nutrition/articl e/food- insecurity-and-housing-affordability-among-lowincome-families- does-housing-assistanc e-reduce-food- insecurity/73E16E4C35DBCCE3408AD64CFC851A1B Lindow, P., Yen, I. H., Xiao, M., & Leung, C. W. (2022). ‘You run out of hope’: an exploration of low-income parents’ experiences with food insecurity using Photovoice. Public health nutrition, 25(4), 987-993. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/public-health-nutrition/article/you-run-out-of- hope-an -exploration-of-lowincome-parents-experiences-with-food-insecurity-using- photovoice/106B83 484F9AF08604CC3EF018A81654 Matias, S. L., Rodriguez-Jordan, J., & McCoin, M. (2021). Integrated Nutrition and culinary education in response to food insecurity in a public university. Nutrients, 13(7), 2304. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072304 Muller, C. (2022, April 7). Fighting Hunger: How Congress Should Combat Food Insecurity Among Low- Income Americans. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/fighting- hunger-how-congress-should-combat- food-insecurity-among-low-income-americans/ Seo, B. K., & Park, G. R. (2021). Food insecurity and housing affordability among low-income families: does housing assistance reduce food insecurity?. Public Health Nutrition, 24(13), 4339-4345 https://www.jandonline.org/article/S0002-8223(07)01619-7/fulltext