Evaluation of community-based program on health indicators in food insecure population

Abstract

<p><strong>Purpose:&nbsp;</strong>The purpose of this project is to improve the health outcomes of a food insecure population through health interventions of health screenings, health education, dietary education, and increased physical activity.</p> <p><strong>Methods:&nbsp;</strong>The intervention of health screenings of weight, BMI, dyastolic/systolic blood pressure, and blood glucose readings in conjuction with health education and increased physical activity will be initiated within a food insecure population.</p> <p><strong>Results:&nbsp;</strong>The research is ongoing.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:&nbsp;</strong>The research is ongoing</p> <p>The evaluation of a community based program on health indicators in a food insecure population</p> <p>Food insecurity is defined as not having enough quantity or quality of food for all household members to have an active, healthy lifestyle. Food insecurity is a risk factor for diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. 1in 6 Americans are food insecure. Hispanic and African American poverty stricken adults are at a greater risk than non-Hispanic Whites. Food banks and pantries that were intended to be a temporary resource have become the primary food source for many in poverty. Food from food banks is often high in carbohydrates, salts, and processed foods. There is a need to address the health disparities in food insecure adults. Feeding America is a program initiated for food banks to address the health disparities of the people they serve. The Action family program is a community based effort to meet the need of food bank dependent population. Research has shown&nbsp;Community and faith-based programs aimed at increasing physical activity, screenings for health risks, and health education can have positive results in reducing the health disparities of the food insecure population. Pender's health promotion model (HPM) can be used to empower this population to make healthy lifetyle changes. HPM is rooted in the expectancy value theory that presents the idea that individuals engage or participate in activities to achieve goals they believe to be possible.</p>