Promoting Client Nutrition in Urban Utah Food Pantries

Food pantry clients are at an increased risk of poor diet quality which can lead to a variety of chronic diseases. Identifying nutrition interventions that help improve the dietary intake of this vulnerable population is important to help improve health outcomes. Utah’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed), also known as Food $ense, partners with many pantries throughout the state to improve healthy food access. This research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a pantry intervention, Thumbs Up for Healthy Choices, to evaluate its impact on food pantry clients’ selection and use of identified healthy foods. In addition to program evaluation, data identifying interest in programs such as Thumbs Up, as well as common barriers that prevent pantry clients from making healthy choices was also collected and analyzed. This research was funded through a Utah State University (USU) Extension mini-grant for$8,500. The findings will be used to guide future SNAP-Ed initiatives that aim to make the healthy choice the easy choice in food pantries. The results will also be used to build the evidence base for the Thumbs Up for Healthy Choices program, which will allow other SNAP-Ed programs throughout the country to adopt and implement this effective program

Create Farm Fresh Food Curriculum

This curriculum focuses on increasing Food Sense participants\u27 use of Utah farmers market. It includes information to successfully implement, and evaluate Create Farm Fresh Food classes. The goal of this set of classes is to increase SNAP participants’ use of local farmers’ markets. Markets are a great place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables that offer better taste and nutritional value than many of those found at traditional grocery stores. With the Double Up Food Bucks, and Fresh Fund incentive programs, shopping at farmers’ markets has even become more economical for our target population

Farmers Feeding Utah: Increasing Healthy Food Access and Supporting Local Agriculture

The need for food assistance increased by 300% among Utah families as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers and ranchers were also adversely impacted by market losses and processing shortages. In response, Farmers Feeding Utah was developed to facilitate access to fresh agricultural produce for families in need

Buy Produce for Your Neighbor: Supporting Local Agriculture

For Utahns experiencing food insecurity, eating adequate fruits and vegetables may be difficult due to limited access to fresh produce. Buy Produce for Your Neighbor is a healthy food drive that increases the amount of fresh produce in community food pantries and supports local agriculture

Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding: A Mother\u27s Choice

Deciding how to feed an infant is a decision that should be made by a mother and her family. The benefits of exclusively breastfeeding an infant for the first six months of life are well established (World Health Organization [WHO], 2017); however, it may not always be feasible or a preferred option. For mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, formula feeding is a great option that can support a healthy and thriving infant. This fact sheet will address common questions about breastfeeding and formula feeding to help mothers make an informed decision on how to feed their infant, whether it is by breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of the two

Fluoride: From Birth to Adolescence

This fact sheet discusses the benefits of using fluoride, the most common concerns about fluoride intake in children, and recommendations from birth to adolescence

Overcoming Feeding Difficulties in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This fact sheet discusses different factors that contribute to selective eating in children with ASD and some strategies that may help expand food acceptance. Treatment for feeding problems in children with autism is based on the individual needs and abilities of each child, not all strategies will be successful for every child

Exercise and Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is perhaps the most pervasive medical issue in the United States. The long-term impacts of chronic pain often cause individuals to reduce or eliminate physical activity. Chronic pain can impact physical, mental, and emotional well-being, which can limit daily activity and quality of life. The purpose of this fact sheet is to address the common barriers to being physically active with chronic pain and provide suggestions for safe ways to be physically active even when chronic pain is present