603 - Pilot Mixed Methods Evaluation of the Impact of a Healthcare-Based Food Pantry

Monday, May 1, 2023

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM ET

Poster Number: 603
Publication Number: 603.411

Laura M. Plencner, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Prairie Village, KS, United States; Katiana R. Kelty, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Orlando, FL, United States; Sabrina Demaestri, Kansas City University, Erie, CO, United States; Jeffrey D. Colvin, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, MO, United States; Molly K. Krager, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States

Presenting Author(s)

Katiana R. Kelty (she/her/hers)

Medical Student
Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
Orlando, Florida, United States

Co-Author(s)

LP

Laura M. Plencner, MD

Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
Prairie Village, Kansas, United States

Background: >13 million children live in food insecure households. Healthcare systems are increasingly implementing interventions (e.g., healthcare-based food pantries) to improve the food security of their patients. Prior studies have only described the populations served by healthcare-based food pantries. Few studies have examined their impact on either food security or health.

Objective: This mixed methods pilot study explores the impact of a healthcare-based food pantry on the diet, health, and the family’s budget.

Design/Methods: Surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents utilizing a healthcare-based food pantry. The survey collected data on health status, health-related unmet social needs, and other utilized food resources (e.g., SNAP/other pantries.) The interview utilized social cognitive theory and the Affordability, Accessibility, and Desirability framework. Interview questions explored the pantry experience and the impact on diet, budget, and health. Interview transcripts were coded using deductive and inductive codes by 2 study team members; codes were reviewed by 3 study team members. Coding discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Codes were analyzed for themes.

Results: Twenty-seven participants were enrolled. All participants completed the survey; 23 (85.2%) were interviewed. The majority were female (22, 78.6%) and Spanish-speaking (19, 67.9%) (Table 1). The majority were food insecure (15, 53.6%) and had ≥ 1 unmet social need (18, 64.3%). Only 1/3 reported enrollment in SNAP (9, 32.1%) and few were aware of or utilized another pantry (aware: 7, 25.0%; utilize: 6, 21.4%) (Table 2). Identified interview themes included comfort accessing a food pantry in the healthcare setting and appreciation for combining pantry access with healthcare visits (Table 3). Additional themes included the positive impact on household budget, with saved money spent on other necessities. However, additional themes were the lack of change in diet or health due to the similarity of the pantry food to their usual diet.

Conclusion(s):

In this mixed methods study, we identified themes of the positive impact of locating a pantry within the healthcare setting and the positive financial impact on household budgets, but no impact on their overall health or diet. Very few participants were aware of or utilizing other food-related resources. This study will guide improvements in the pantry, such as provision of information on SNAP and other pantries, as well as the inclusion of healthier foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

PAS FVC Table 1.jpeg