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The FINDING-Food Intervention: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study Addressing Food Insecurity

Author

Listed:
  • Michael F. Royer

    (School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA)

  • Christopher Wharton

    (College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA)

Abstract

Food insecurity is an economic and social condition involving limited or uncertain access to food. The problem of food insecurity in communities is influenced by economic conditions, food deserts, and barriers to accessing healthy food. Individuals experiencing food insecurity often endure concurrent problems of financial instability, hunger, and poor mental and physical health. Public and non-profit services in the U.S., such as the federally supported Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and community food banks, provide food-related assistance to individuals who are at a high risk of experiencing food insecurity. Unfortunately, many individuals who qualify for these services still experience food insecurity due to barriers preventing them from accessing food. Effective approaches for removing barriers that prevent individuals from accessing food are needed to mitigate the increased risk of chronic disease among vulnerable populations. This study tested a novel food insecurity intervention called FINDING-Food, which stands for Frequent Informational Nudges Directing Individuals to Needed Goods. Informational nudges were used to promote food security through the removal of information barriers to accessing food. The intervention used in this mixed-methods feasibility study consisted of informational nudges in the form of weekly text messages that were sent to food pantry clients experiencing food insecurity ( n = 24). The study aims were to test the efficacy and acceptability of the intervention by examining whether the informational nudges could enhance food pantry utilization, increase SNAP registration, and promote food security. Quantitative study results showed a lower prevalence of food insecurity in the intervention group than the control group at the end of the study. Qualitative findings revealed how intervention group participants who completed the study ( n = 9) found the text messages to be helpful and informative. These study findings can enhance future food insecurity interventions aiming to eliminate barriers that prevent individuals who are food insecure from accessing healthy food.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael F. Royer & Christopher Wharton, 2023. "The FINDING-Food Intervention: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study Addressing Food Insecurity," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:14:y:2023:i:4:p:43-:d:1269483
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Makelarski, J.A. & Abramsohn, E. & Benjamin, J.H. & Du, S. & Lindau, S.T., 2017. "Diagnostic accuracy of two food insecurity screeners recommended for use in health care settings," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(11), pages 1812-1817.
    2. repec:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2017.304033_5 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Gowda, C. & Hadley, C. & Aiello, A.E., 2012. "The association between food insecurity and inflammation in the US adult population," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(8), pages 1579-1586.
    4. Michael F. Royer & Christopher Wharton, 2023. "The Design and Testing of a Text Message for Use as an Informational Nudge in a Novel Food Insecurity Intervention," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-13, October.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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