Demographic profile and nutrient intake assessment of individuals using emergency food programs.
A dietary assessment of food pantry and soup kitchen users was conducted. A demographic and socioeconomic profile of participants was developed. One hundred ninety-one persons completed 30- to 40-minute interviews while in line to receive food assistance. Dietary status was determined from 24-hour recall data. Intakes of calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C were compared with the 1980 RDAs for age and sex. A dietary adequacy score was developed to evaluate nutrient quality by calculation of a nutrient density ratio (total intake for a nutrient divided by the RDA). A value of one was considered the norm. A score of 0.67 or less was considered an inadequate nutrient intake. Sixty-eight percent of the sample demonstrated some degree of inadequate nutrient intake. Nutrients that tended to be the lowest were calcium (76% inadequate), vitamin C (74% inadequate), and thiamin (74% inadequate). Inadequate nutrient intake was significantly associated with a lack of cooking facilities, lower monthly incomes, and lesser amounts of money spent on food. Comparison of food pantry users with soup kitchen participants indicated calcium was a problem nutrient for both groups.
School of Home Economics, University of Nevada, Reno 89557.
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D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009505:Nevada; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors