Abstract

Food insecurity, characterized by inadequate access to food, poses a significant challenge affecting numerous individuals and communities across the United States. This project examines the impact of an educational program aimed at increasing donations to a local pantry within a transportation-limited Midwestern suburb burdened by a prevalent food desert. The intervention involved the dissemination of an electronic presentation and pantry flyer via email to a community agency. The outcomes assessed included the number of items donated, the number of individuals served, and the number of meals provided by the pantry. The pre- and post-intervention data collected and analyzed with descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that the 30-day intervention period produced minimal observable impact, with a 12% increase in the number of items donated and the number of individuals served. However, there was no change in the number of meals provided. Nevertheless, the project successfully delivered an educational program, which holds promise for long-term utilization by the pantry. The project highlights the complex nature of combating food insecurity in transportation-limited suburban areas characterized by food deserts. Additional research and adaptations to the educational program may be necessary to enhance its effectiveness and impact on food insecurity in the targeted community. This project contributes to the broader body of knowledge on food insecurity and educational interventions, emphasizing the significance of context-specific approaches in addressing this multifaceted issue.

Lucas Manning

Author Details

Lucas Manning, MSN, RN, CHSE

Sigma Membership

Iota Tau

Lead Author Affiliation

Nebraska Methodist College, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Other

Research Approach

Pilot/Exploratory Study

Keywords:

Food Insecurity, Food Pantries, Food Deserts

Advisor

Hall, Lyndsi

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Nebraska Methodist College

Degree Year

2023

Rights Holder

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Review Type

Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

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