February 25, 2013 - [Food banks are altering their nutrition-related policies and practices](http://www.yaleruddcenter.org/resources/upload/docs/what/communities/FoodBanksNutritionInitiatives_JAND_3.13.pdf) to address concerns about the rise in obesity and diet-related diseases among individuals struggling to afford food, according to a study by the Rudd Center. The study, published in the _Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics_, examines these strategies and identifies the challenges and opportunities related to their implementation.
"For those who struggle to put food on the table it is not just about too few calories, it is also about not having access to healthy foods and adequate nutrition," said Marlene Schwartz, senior author and Deputy Director of the Rudd Center. "In response, leading food banks across the country have adapted to strategically promote healthier foods and beverages."
Researchers interviewed administrators from twenty food banks throughout country about their current nutrition policies and practices, and the barriers to change they have faced. All of the food banks that participated in the analysis were part of the Feeding America Network, a non-profit organization that consists of a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks.
The majority of food bank personnel reported that their organization's staff, board members, and community partners saw obesity and chronic disease as an issue that needed to be addressed by food banks. As a result, many food banks described efforts to provide more fresh produce to their communities.
URL: http://www.yaleruddcenter.org/food-banks-addressing-obesity-with-nutrition-related-policies
No comments:
Post a Comment