This pilot study examined perceived science learning and attitudes of school children participating (n=100) in a 4-lesson nutrition-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education backpack program offered at a public library in the rural, Appalachian, Southern United States (Appalachian Mississippi). Using a constructivist theoretical framework, a 4-lesson take-home, backpack program (Growing Peanuts and Beans; Making Butter; Popping Corn; Sprouting Spuds) was developed in collaboration with public library staff and implemented in an informal learning environment (rural community library) for youth in kindergarten through eighth grade. Prior to implementation, lessons were piloted, evaluated, and revised using youth feedback. A drive-through distribution was utilized. Backpack science kits included all STEM materials/supplies/books, postage-paid evaluation postcards, and shelf-stable lunches and snacks meeting USDA summer feeding guidelines. Twenty-three of 100 youth participants (23% response rate) returned at least one evaluation postcard. Participants were primarily female (65%), Non-Hispanic (90%), White (90%), and in kindergarten through second grade (54.5%). Overall, the program significantly improved (p<.05) attitudes toward science (e.g., science is cool, science is fun) and toward doing science experiments. While perception of the library being “a good place to find science information and activities” did not significantly improve from pre- to post-program, ratings were high at both pre- and post-program, with over 85% “agreeing” or “super-agreeing.” The majority of youth “agreed or super-agreed” that they: 1) learned about science from the activities (94.2%); 2) liked doing the science activities (94.3%) and reading the related books (90.4%); 3) had fun completing the activities (98.1%); 4) would recommend the activities to others (94.2%); and 5) would do the activities again (93.3%). Nutrition-based STEM education promotes perceived science-learning and attitudes, warranting further development and implementation of nutrition-based science kits for public libraries across Mississippi to promote both science-learning and pursuit of science and health careers.

OBJECTIVE:To assess the relationship between adult intuitive eating and perceived food security during childhood. METHODS:A survey was conducted consisting of the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 and the 6-item short form of the US Household Food Security Module modified to assess perceived food security status in participants aged 0-17 years. Student, faculty, and staff participants (n = 331) were primarily White, women, and aged 18-24 years. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Kendall's Tau-b correlations. RESULTS:Overall, perceived childhood food insecurity was negatively correlated with adult intuitive eating (Tb = -0.1, P = 0.03) and body-food choice congruence (Tb = -0.1, P = 0.03). When stratified by gender, among women, perceived childhood food insecurity was negatively correlated with adult intuitive eating (Tb = -0.1, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:Perceived childhood food insecurity and adult intuitive eating warrant further exploration to identify those who may benefit from intuitive eating education.

This cross-sectional survey study explored the interrelationship of household food security, housing instability, and energy security among women caring for children aged six years and younger in rural Prince Edward Island. Of 250 adult females utilizing services at a Family Resources Center, 54 responded (21.6% response rate), with 31 usable surveys (57.4% completion rate). Almost 60% lived in food insecure households. Overall, energy insecurity was associated with food insecurity, supporting the concept of "heat or eat." Energy insecurity significantly predicted household food insecurity, with those facing energy insecurity having 22 times greater odds of more severe food insecurity.

Upon completion, participants will be able to explain how innovative equipment use is associated with best practices in school meal preparation.

After the presentation, participants will be able to explain the food, housing, and energy security of women caring for children in rural Maritime Canada. Maritime Canada is vulnerable to food insecurity. This pilot study explored household food security (FoodSec), housing instability (HousIn), and energy security (Enertech) among women (18 years+) caring for children <6 years living in a rural Maritime community. A cross-sectional Qualtrics survey (UM IRB-approved) (Household Food Security Survey Module and demographic, HousIn, EnerSec, and open-ended questions) was distributed to 250 women at Family Resources Centre (Montague, PEI). IBM SPSS (v27) was used for data entry and Stata/SE (v16.1) for analysis. p<.05 was considered statistically significant. Surveys were scored using standardized methods for FoodSec [PROOF/Health Canada (Tarasuk and Mitchell, 2020)] and HousIn/EnerSec (Bottino et al, 2019; Fafard St-Germain and Tarasuk, 2020; Sandel et al., 2018). Multivariate linear regressions and ordered logit models estimated association of FoodSec with HousIn and EnerSec. 54 responded (21.6% response rate), yielding 38 usable surveys (70.4% completion rate). Participants (34±9 years) were mothers (94.7%), homeowners (71.1%), receiving government transfers (57.9%), and from marginally to severely food insecure households (56.2%). Energy insecurity significantly predicted #affirmative responses to FoodSec questions (regression, b=7.1, p=.025), controlling for family size, government transfers, homeownership, and HousIn. Energy insecurity was a strong positive predictor of more severe food insecurity (logit, OR=22.2, p=.037). When asked what contributes to food insecurity, one respondent said, "The costs of everything…, [including propane] gas." To address food insecurity, 4 cited need for 'self-sufficiency' and 'budgeting' skills. Energy insecurity is associated with food insecurity, supporting the concept of 'heat or eat.'

This study focused on the relationship between food insecurity and medical mistrust within Appalachia. Food insecurity has negative consequences on health, while medical mistrust can lead to a decrease in health care use, creating additive consequences to already vulnerable populations. Medical mistrust has been defined in various ways, with measures addressing health care organizations and individual health care providers. To determine whether food insecurity has an additive impact on medical mistrust, a cross-sectional survey was completed by 248 residents in Appalachia Ohio while attending community or mobile clinics, food banks, or the county health department. More than one-quarter of the respondents had high levels of mistrust toward health care organizations. Those with high food insecurity levels were more likely to have higher levels of medical mistrust than those with lower levels of food insecurity. Individuals with higher self-identified health issues and older participants had higher medical mistrust scores. Screening for food insecurity in primary care can reduce the impact of mistrust on patient adherence and health care access by increasing patient-centered communication. These findings present a unique perspective on how to identify and mitigate medical mistrust within Appalachia and call attention to the need for further research on the root causes among food insecure residents.

Upon completion, participants will be able to describe a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist-led food-based education network targeting STEM and nutrition education disparities among underserved youth across the Southern United States.

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that systematic and sustained action is needed to achieve food and nutrition security in the United States. To achieve food security, effective interventions are needed, along with adequate funding for, and increased utilization of, food and nutrition assistance programs; inclusion of nutrition education in such programs; strategies to support individual and household economic stability; and research to measure impact on food insecurity- and health-related outcomes. Millions of individuals living in the United States experience food insecurity. Negative nutritional and non-nutritional outcomes are associated with food insecurity across the lifespan, including substandard academic achievement, inadequate intake of key nutrients, increased risk for chronic disease, and poor psychological and cognitive functioning. Registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered, play key roles in addressing food insecurity and are uniquely positioned to make valuable contributions through competent and collaborative practice, provision of comprehensive food and nutrition education and training, innovative research related to all aspects of food insecurity, and advocacy efforts at the local, state, regional, and national levels.

This preliminary project evaluated home-delivered meal-kits and their relationship to a sustainable community food system. An exploratory evaluation/case study was conducted to understand how meal-kit messaging may reduce food loss and waste. Box contents and inner and outer packaging materials, including marketing messages, were evaluated based on the FAO’s food supply chain framework for community food systems. Home-delivered meal-kits may impact consumer behavior, decreasing food waste and loss. Studying the impact of meal-kit messaging on consumer behavior in rural and nonrural household may be a worthwhile avenue to decrease food and food packaging waste and loss in the United States.

This exploratory study aimed at investigating the perceptions of the youth regarding the summer food environment using photovoice methodology. A 4-week summer food education program. Eleven youth, 13-18 years were recruited, and 5 (45%) students completed the study. Participants received one of each: introduction to photovoice, disposable camera, logbook, handout of photography tips, and photo release forms followed by participation in a focus group. The naturalized approach was utilized to transcribe and analyzed using grounded theory. Seven themes emerged, including improved availability of and access to healthier, affordable food supply and an improved food environment.

Compared to the U.S. population, food insecurity may be more prevalent among university students. Using a cross-sectional survey of 338 undergraduate students, this study assessed how various food preparation abilities are associated with the risk of food insecurity. Food insecurity (FI) (41.4%) and very low food security (VLFS) (21.0%) were prevalent. Loan borrowing predicted VLFS (OR = 2.234). Controlling for financial strain indicators, food procurement skills reduced FI (OR = 0.466) among male students. Among female students, employment positively predicted FI (OR = 1.677) and VLFS (OR = 1.966), while cooking facilities access reduced FI (OR = 0.436) and VLFS (OR = 0.433).

Explain differences in grit by food security and their relationship among female caregivers of elementary children in rural, Appalachian Mississippi.

Discuss the food security, perceived health, and perceived diet of college students in Ghana.

Explain the relationship between household food security status and social cohesion among adults living in a rural, Appalachian Mississippi county.

This study examined the food security and gardening practices of mothers with young children. Participants were adult mothers with young children aged 0-6 years living in Prince Edward Island (PEI) and using Family Resource Center services. Controlling for marital status, education level, and race, data were analyzed using cumulative odds ordinal logistic regression with proportional odds. Forty percent of participants were living in food-insecure households. Mothers who gardened vegetables were associated with 1.94 times higher odds of living in a more food secure household, compared to non-gardeners (p = .052). Nutrition education programs that improve household economic self-sufficiency are warranted.

Explain if a basic nutrition course improves the scientific thinking of undergraduate students at a southern university.

Explain if produce behaviors differ by food security among adults living in a rural, Appalachian Mississippi community.