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Addressing Food Insecurity during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Intervention Outcomes and Lessons Learned from a Collaborative Food Delivery Response in South Florida’s Underserved Households

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  • Nana Aisha Garba

    (Department of Humanities, Health and Society, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 32413, USA)

  • Lea Sacca

    (Department of Humanities, Health and Society, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 32413, USA)

  • Rachel D. Clarke

    (Department of Humanities, Health and Society, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 32413, USA)

  • Prasad Bhoite

    (Department of Humanities, Health and Society, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 32413, USA)

  • John Buschman

    (Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33181, USA)

  • Virama Oller

    (Department of Humanities, Health and Society, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 32413, USA)

  • Nancy Napolitano

    (Department of Humanities, Health and Society, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 32413, USA)

  • Samuel Hyppolite

    (Department of Humanities, Health and Society, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 32413, USA)

  • Sophia Lacroix

    (Department of Humanities, Health and Society, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 32413, USA)

  • Al Archibald

    (Grace United Community Church, Miami, FL 32413, USA)

  • Ocean Hamilton

    (Redland Ahead Inc., Farmer to Families Program, Homestead, FL 32413, USA)

  • Tobi Ash

    (Joshua’s Heart Food Pantry, North Miami Beach, FL 32413, USA)

  • David R. Brown

    (Department of Humanities, Health and Society, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 32413, USA)

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted underlying disparities in health, healthcare access, and other social factors that have been documented for racial/ethnic minorities. The social-distancing mandate exacerbated the impact of social determinants of health, such as unemployment and food insecurity, particularly among underserved minority populations. We highlight intervention outcomes and lessons learned from the Florida International University (FIU) Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM) NeighborhoodHELP’s response to pandemic-related food insecurity among Miami Dade County’s underserved population. Methods: Following the stay-at-home mandate, a weekly needs assessment of program households was conducted by the NeighborhoodHELP team, during which food insecurity emerged as a pandemic-related urgent need, rising from three percent of program Households in March 2020 to 36.9 percent six months later. Consequently, the program staff collaborated with another FIU department, community partners, and a benefactor to develop a food donation and delivery project. Results: Fifteen hundred and forty-three culturally appropriate food boxes were delivered to 289 participating households, comprising 898 household members, over a 14-month period. Conclusion: This project underscores the importance of leveraging community assets to address their needs during a crisis and the significance of sustained community engagement for researchers and service providers who work in underserved communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Nana Aisha Garba & Lea Sacca & Rachel D. Clarke & Prasad Bhoite & John Buschman & Virama Oller & Nancy Napolitano & Samuel Hyppolite & Sophia Lacroix & Al Archibald & Ocean Hamilton & Tobi Ash & David, 2022. "Addressing Food Insecurity during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Intervention Outcomes and Lessons Learned from a Collaborative Food Delivery Response in South Florida’s Underserved Households," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-12, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:8130-:d:854418
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    References listed on IDEAS

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