USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center
Abstract
Introduction: Underserved communities suffer from poor dietary habits and experience higher rates of chronic conditions mainly due to factors affecting their nutrition and grocery shopping behaviors. Method: A nutritional needs assessment was conducted with participants of the Community Wellness Program, a community resource center, at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, to assess the perspectives of the participant’s nutrition and grocery shopping behaviors. Interviews were conducted with current members attending cooking demonstrations at the center (n=10). Results: 50% of the participants have struggled to purchase fresh, healthy foods in the past year. Half of the participants stated shopping for groceries 2-4 times per week, and 70% mentioned spending more than $80 per week on groceries. The top three types of stores participants reported shopping for groceries were supermarket chains (39%), boutique chains (22%), and farmer’s markets (17%). When asked about what nutrition education material they wished to learn more about most answered cooking demos, affordable health market shopping tours, and a nutrition basics leaflet. The teaching method most suitable for this underserved community was determined to be hands-on (workshops, tours, one on one), class setting (lectures), and printed material. Conclusion: The perspectives of the Community Wellness Program members will be valuable in continuing to enhance current and future programs that will expand their self-empowerment and nutritional knowledge along with assisting them in reclaiming their health
