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Journal article
The hunger-obesity paradox: Exploring food banking system characteristics and obesity inequities among food-insecure pantry clients
PloS one, v 15(10), pp e0239778-e0239778
21 Oct 2020
PMID: 33085685
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Purpose Heightened obesity risk among food-insecure food pantry clients is a health equity issue because the co-occurrence of obesity and hunger is deeply-rooted in systematic social disadvantage and historical oppression. This qualitative study examined key stakeholders' perspectives of the relationship between the U.S. food banking system and obesity disparities among food insecure clients. Methods We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 10 key stakeholders (e.g., food bank director, food bank board member, advocate) who are familiar with food bank operations. Data were transcribed verbatim, coded in NVivo [v11], and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Multiple themes emerged drawing linkages betweenstructural characteristicsof the food banking system and disparities in the dual burden of food insecurity and obesity: [a] access to unhealthy food from donors; [b] federal emergency food policy and programming; [c] state-level emergency food policy and programming; [d] geography-based risk profiles; and [e] inadequate food supply versus client need. Interviewees also identifiedsocialchallenges between system leaders and clients that maintain disparities in obesity risk among individuals with very low food security including: [a] media representation and stereotypes about food pantry clients; [b] mistrust in communities of color; [c] lack of inclusion/representation among food bank system leaders; and [d] access to information. Conclusion Future efforts to alleviate obesity inequities among clients chronically burdened by food insecurity, especially among certain subpopulations of clients, should prioritize policy, systems, and environmental strategies to overcome thesestructuralandsocialchallenges within the food banking system.
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Details
- Title
- The hunger-obesity paradox: Exploring food banking system characteristics and obesity inequities among food-insecure pantry clients
- Creators
- Kristen Cooksey Stowers - Dept Allied Hlth Sci, Storrs, CT USANana Yaa A. Marfo - University of ConnecticutEminet Abebe Gurganus - University of ConnecticutKim M. Gans - Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford, Connecticut, United States of America.Shiriki K. Kumanyika - Drexel UniversityMarlene B. Schwartz - Univ Connecticut, Rudd Ctr Food Policy & Obes, Hartford, CT 06112 USA
- Publication Details
- PloS one, v 15(10), pp e0239778-e0239778
- Publisher
- Public Library Science
- Number of pages
- 20
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Urban Health Collaborative; Dana and David Dornsife School of Public Health
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000585943400024
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85094163908
- Other Identifier
- 991019312477404721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health