supplementalcommodity food use by focus: hope … · 2018-04-07 · food adequate diet change in...
TRANSCRIPT
j}
.4‘
,5.
SUPPLEMENTAL COMMODITY FOOD USE BY FOCUS:
HOPE PARTICIPANTS
Thesis for the Degree of M. S.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
EILEEN FRANCES KASS
1977
V..- - o
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII3 1293
L IB RA R Y
Michigan State
University
W53 if;
174‘A098- .- - - -.---M'
pPEcmL PERMISSIQB - In
"I’ffI‘fWS 0 mg
-._
v
’r-r
1.1.
'33
I
I'\!""A
y?
ABSTRACT
SUPPLEMENTAL COMMODITY FOOD USE BY FOCUS: HOPE PARTICIPANTS
By
Eileen Frances Kass
Forty-eight participants in Detroit's Focus: HOPE Food Pre-
scription Program (FPP), a federally funded program providing USDA
commodities to high risk pregnant and nursing women and young children,
were interviewed to determine their use of supplemental foods.
Eighteen who were also involved in the Expanded Nutrition and Family
Program (ENFP) did not differ significantly from those not on ENFP
in nutrition knowledge, food preparation skills, or use of commodity
foods, but did more often use Food Stamps (p 3_.Ol). Only l5 per-
cent of the total sample understood the purpose for prescription
commodity foods; most felt the program was intended as an income
supplement. All respondents reported feeding the commodities to the
entire family. Many had a concept of the relationship of food to
health, but did not demonstrate knowledge of specific nutrients.
Farina and dried eggs were reported as the most difficult commodities
to USE.
SUPPLEMENTAL COMMODITY FOOD USE BY FOCUS: HOPE PARTICIPANTS
By
Eileen Frances Kass
A THESIS
Submitted to
Michigan State University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of
MASTERS OF SCIENCE
Department of Food Science
and Human Nutrition
1977
TO MY MOTHER AND FATHER
’i'i
CI
He
he
Ih]
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Any successful research has resulted from the input of many
individuals without which the project may not have been possible.
My sincere appreciation is extended to:
Dr. Kathy Kolasa, my major advisor, for her continuous
support, encouragement and endurance throughout this project and
graduate school.
Drs. Jenny Bond, Henda Chenoweth and Don Tavano for their
support and advise during the course of the project.
Thanks are extended to Mr. Charles Grenville, director of
the Focus: HOPE Food Prescription Program and the State and Wayne
County offices of The Expanded Nutrition and Family Program for
their assistance in making the whole project possible.
Partial financial support for the project from the Department
of Food Science and Human Nutrition, the Expanded Nutrition and
Family Program and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station
are gratefully acknowledged.
I wish to express a warm thank you to all the families who
welcomed me into their homes without which this study could never
have been conducted.
A very special thank you to Helen for accompanying me
throughout Detroit.
And last but not least a huge thank you to my friends and
Michael who helped me through to the very end.
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
INTRODUCTION
OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Nutritional Status in the United States
Food Program -- A Brief History
Focus: HOPE Food Prescription Program
Expanded Nutrition and Family Program
Nutrition Education within Food Programs
Dietary Adequacy of Preschool Diets
Gatekeeper
Nutrition Knowledge
Effectiveness of Supplemental Feeding Programs
Problems in Changing Food Habits
Evaluation of Nutrition Intervention Programs
METHODOLODY
RESULTS
Program Selection
Interview Schedule
The Sample
Pretest of Interview Schedule
Interview Process
Field Notes
Nutritional Quality of Focus: HOPE Prescription
Commodity Foods
Procedure for Analysis of Data
Sample
Family Characteristics
Usual Meal Patterns
Extent Gatekeeper Understands Purpose of
Focus: HOPE FPP
Commodities Refused to Eat
Commodities most Disliked
New Commodity Desired
V
Page
vii
viii
DIE
SUE
AP
Gatekeepers' Knowledge of Importance of an
Food
Adequate Diet
Change in Food Habits while Pregnant
Foods Important for Child's Growth
Nutritional Advice During Pregnancy
Preceived Nutritional Quality of Commodities
Preparation Skills of Gatekeeper
Food Preparation and Shopping
Training
Commodity Use
Kitchen Equipment
Number of Items Prepared with Each Commodity
Commodity Use in Family Meal Patterns
Problem Solving
DISCUSSION
Family Characteristics
Usual Meal Pattern
Extent Gatekeeper Understands Purpose of Focus:
HOPE FPP
Gatekeeper's Knowledge of the Importance of an
Adequate Diet
Food Preparation Skills of Gatekeeper
Commodity Use in Family Meal Pattern
SUMMARY AND IMPLICATIONS
Summary
Implications
LIST OF REFERENCES
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Interview Materials
Appendix 8: Composition of Focus: HOPE Commodities
Appendix C: Focus: HOPE Commodities
Appendix D: Meal Pattern Recall
Appendix E: Map of Detroit and Vicinity
vi
30
30
3l
3]
34
34
34
35
36
36
42
42
47
47
49
50
53
57
59
59
62
63
68
82
89
91
92
Table
BI
32
Cl
C2
01
LIST OF TABLES
Demographic Characteristics of all the
Respondents, those on ENFP (FPPE) and those
only on the FPP (FPPNE)
Description of Kitchen Equipment in the Home of
the Total Sample, those on ENFP (FPPE) and those
only on the FPP (FPPNE)
Percent of Families Preparing Specific Dishes
with Each Commodity for'the Total Sample, those
on ENFP (FPPE) and those only on the FPP (FPPNE)
Percent of Male and Female Family Members Eating
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in the Home for the
Total Group, those on ENFP (FPPE) and those only
on the FPP (FPPNE)
Percent of Children Eating Breakfast, Lunch and
Dinner in the Home for the Total Sample, those on
ENFP (FPPE) and those only on the FPP (FPPNE)
Percent of Families for the Total Group, those on
ENFP (FPPE) and those only on the FPP (FPPNE) Using
Each Commodity to Prepare Breakfast
Percent of Families for the Total Group, those on
ENFP (FPPE) and those only on the FPP (FPPNE) Using
Each Commodity to Prepare Lunch
Percent of Families for the Total Group, those on
ENFP (FPPE) and those only on the FPP (FPPNE) Using
Each Commodity to Prepare Dinner
Nutritive Value of Prescription Commodities
Calorie and Iron Content of Commodities Provided
to Each Age Group
Number of Commodities taken During October, 1976
Number of Participants Certified for the FPP
During October, 1976
Percent of Foods Reported Usually Eaten by the
Total Sample, those on ENFP (FPPE) and those only
on the FPP (FPPNE)
vii
Page
24
37
39
43
44
45
46
82
86
89
90
91
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
A-l Family Data Obtained from Focus: HOPE Records 68
A-2 Focus: HOPE Survey - Interview Schedule 69
A-3 Sample Dialogue 79
A-4 Probe Card 80
A-5 Consent Form Bl
E-l Detroit and Vicinity 92
viii
IIIE
F0
fo
ta
th
nu
th
N0
In1
Re.
Ont
INTRODUCTION
Commodity food distribution in the United States was imple-
mented in order to utilize surplus foods and feed hungry pe0ple. The
Food Stamp program replaced the old commodity food distribution pro-
gram because the commodity program provided only a limited number of
foods, required separate food distribution sites, affected local re-
tail sales and did not assure adequate diets (l).
The results of the.Ten-State Nutrition Survey (2) were that
the Food Stamp program has had limited success in providing adequate
nutrition. The expansion of the Food Stamp program continued under
the basic assumption that individuals receiving food at a lower cost
would not have any type of nutrition problem related to income.
Evidence of nutritional inadequacies in women of child bear-
ing age, infants and young children has been cited in the literature.
Read (3) reported that malnutrition and hunger during pregnancy and
infancy can lead to serious long-term effects on learning and be-
havioral development of the child. The previously mentioned high
risk groups were considered by the state of Michigan Task Force on
Nutrition (4) to be at nutritional risk and in need of supplemental
foods.
Since the commodity distribution program was replaced by the
Food Stamp program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture needed an
outlet for the commodities (5). A program offering eleven commodities
l
on a monthly basis to supplement the diet of low-income pregnant
and nursing women, infants and children up to the age of six was
developed as an outlet. A non-profit organization, Focus: HOPE, in
Detroit became involved in the supplemental feeding program in 1971.
During the next five years Focus: HOPE became the largest prescrip-
tion comnodity food program in the nation. The Focus: HOPE Food
Prescription Program (FPP) has increased to a maximum allowed level
of 35,000 participants through the use of an extensive volunteer
transportation system, community outreach program and the commitment
of the director and staff to the program. Nutrition education how-
ever has not been a part of the program. On occasion nutrition pro-
grams are presented by dietetic and public health trainees or
interested agencies.
In Michigan, Cooperative Extension's Expanded Nutrition and
Family Program (ENFP) has been the primary provider of nutrition educa-
tion for low-income families. The primary objective of ENFP is to
teach low-income families the necessary skills and knowledge to main-
tain an adequate diet. Also in October, 1975 nutrition education
became an integral part of the Special Supplemental Food Program for
HOmen, Infants and Children (HIC).
The majority of the preschool child's meals are eaten in the
home and are the responsibility of the person who controls the food
in the family (6). The person that controls food channels of the
family has been described as the gatekeeper (7). The study of the
gatekeeper's knowledge and attitude of nutrition provides a better
understanding of food behavior within the family.
III
on
There are few studies available describing or documenting
the effect of supplemental feeding programs forhigh risk persons
("1 the nutritional status of all family members. There is a need to
evaluate the efficiency of existing nutritional intervention programs
to determine whether they are meeting the needs of the target audi-
ence and if the food is being used by the intended group.
The purpose of this research was to determine: (a) the
gatekeeper's understanding of the need for prescription commodity
foods; (b) the gatekeeper's recognition of the importance of a
nutritionally adequate diet for pregnant and nursing women, infants
and young children; (c) the gatekeeper's food preparation skills in
the utilization of Focus: HOPE prescription commodity foods; (d) the
use of prescription commodities in the entire family's food behavior
and (e) the difference between those families involved in ENFP and
those only on the FPP in knowledge and use of commodities.
OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS
Commodities: surplus food purchased by USDA and distributed to
needy individuals through local distribution center.
Focus: HOPE commodities: canned meat (beef or chicken), canned
vegetables (green beans, peas or corn), canned fruit juice
(orange, apple or grapefruit), nonfat dried milk,
evaporated milk, corn syrup, dried egg mix, peanut butter
(every other month), farina, instant mashed potatoes and
canned plums.
Food Behavior: the way in which an individual or group of people
select, prepare, consume and dispose of food.
Food and Nutrition Attitudes: a complex system of beliefs and
values concerning food and nutrition.
Food and Nutrition Knowledge: information related to common foods
included in the basic four food groups and to the effect
of their intake upon one's health.
Prescription Foods: specially selected dietary supplements to off-
set health hazards of chronic hunger.
Gatekeeper: the person who decides what food will be purchased for
the home and controls the food placed on the table.
me
of
ti
un
at
as
ch
of
Ia
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Nutritional Status in the United States
The report entitled Hunger USA (8) released in 1968 by the
Citizens Board of Inquiry insisted that malnutrition was prevalent
in the U.S. The report by the Board described nutrition as a
national concern even though the report focused on an isolated group
in Mississippi (9).
The Ten State Nutrition Survey (2) was the first compre-
hensive assessment of nutritional status in the United States. This
survey was designed to assess the nutritional status of people living
in poverty and included Michigan in the sample. In 1970 the Depart-
ment of Health, Education and Welfare (10) continued documentation
of nutritional status in a study known as HANES (Health and Nutri-
tion Examination Survey). The findings of these reports were that
undernutrition and malnutrition are not confined to any one social,
economic, cultural or ethnic group. The groups of people described
as most "at risk" of malnutrition in these surveys were women of
child bearing age, infants, preschool children and the elderly.
Shneour (11) defined malnutrition as "the impairment or risk
of impainment to mental and physical health resulting from the
failure to meet the total nutrient requirements of an individual".
A case of severe malnutrition rarely is identified in this country.
Kallen (12) indicated that milder forms of malnutrition that do not
5
threaten life but can affect the size of an adult and intellectual
development is the form usually seen in the United States but the most
difficult to detect.
Optimum development of an infant is dependent on the nutri-
tional status of the mother as well as the quality and quantity of a
child's diet during the first years of life (13, 14). Malnutrition
and hunger during pregnancy and infancy can lead to serious long-
term effects on learning and behavioral development of the child (3).
It has been reported that nutrition can determine the path of emotional
growth and influence the role of the child in the community (15).
Biochemical evidence indicated that poverty children were
smaller than average and more "at risk" nutritionally than more
affluent children (16). Ten goals to upgrade the nutritional (17)
status of Michigan residents were outlined in the State Plan for
Nutrition. A major concern is for the nutritional well-being of
infants and children. To ensure optimal development of young chil-
dren one objective is "to maximize the availability of and partic-
ipation in supplemental feeding programs for needy infants, young
children and pregnant and nursing women". The Michigan Task Force
on Nutrition (4) described this same group at nutritional risk and
in need of special supplemental foods.
Food Program -- A Brief History
Federal food programs were initiated in the early 1900's.
The majority of food programs came into existence as a result of the
depression of the thirties. One such program, the Commodity Credit
Corporation was formed to federalize and manage the acquisition of
overproduced agricultural commodities and feed hungry people (18).
The distribution of Food Stamps was another program that began in the
late thirties but was terminated in 1943. The Food Stamp program was
reestablished under new legislation in 1964. Initially, food stamp
recipients were allowed only nutritious surplus foods but today any
food and beverage (except alcoholic) can be purchased with food
stamps (18). The Food Stamp program continues to operate under the
assumption that individuals receiving fabd stamps will not develop
nutritional problems due to limited income. A recent study conducted
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (19) did not support this basic
assumption. In order for the Food Stamp program to be economically
efficient, the family must use the USDA Economy Food Plan, which does
not take into account people with higher nutritional requirements or
special needs (20).
With the replacement of the old commodity food distribution
program by the Food Stamp program the U.S. Department of Agriculture
sought another outlet for the commodities (5). The U.S. Department
of Agriculture made available selected commodities to be used by low-
income pregnant and nursing women, infants and children up to six
years of age. Participants of the supplemental feeding program would
be required to become certified (a prescription given) as in need by a
health professional. The supplemental food program for women, in-
fants and children developed out of a brief executive directive
that the secretary of agriculture may give needy people the surplus
foods and has never been specifically authorized by Congress (5).
Focus: HOPE Food Prescription Program (FPP)
The Salvation Army in 1971 was operating the supplemental
feeding program in Detroit, Michigan with very little success. Their
major problem was that 2,100 were certified as eligible for the pro-
gram and only 800 actually were receiving the food. Area health pro-
fessionals were concerned and approached a non-profit organization in
Detroit named Focus: HOPE (21).
Focus: HOPE is a volunteer run organization formed shortly
after the Detroit civil disturbances in 1967. The main objective of
the organization is to promote projects in the areas of education,
employment and housing, in order to bring black and white people to-
gether against racial injustice (5).
Focus: HOPE assumed the Food Prescription Program (FPP) in
1971 with the hope of reaching the malnourished and hungry in Detroit.
Since that time the program has expanded to include two warehouses,
an extensive outreach program and provides food for 25,000 partici-
pants with maximum level of 35,000 (5). Today, the Focus: HOPE FPP
is the largest of its type in the nation. Focus: HOPE does not pro-
vide nutrition education for low-income mothers. The major provider
of nutrition education in selected counties in Michigan at the pre-
sent time is the Expanded Nutrition and Family Program (22).
Expanded Nutrition and Family Prggram (ENFP)
The Federal Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
(EFNEP) of the USDA's Extension Service was authorized in November of
1968 to upgrade diets of low-income families through education (19).
The program is known as the Expanded Nutrition and Family Program
(ENFP) in Michigan. The main objective of the program is "to help
families living in poverty or near poverty to acquire knowledge,
skills and changes in behavior to achieve adequate diets providing
normal nutrition“ (23). More specifically, the aim is to help in-
crease family knowledge of the essentials of good nutrition. A
supportive objective is to increase participation in food assistance
programs (24).
Paraprofessional nutrition aides usually indigenous to the
comunity are employed by the program. Aides help to extend the
efforts of the professional home economist to the community while also
providing a rapport with the family that only they can develop (25).
EFNEP has had a positive effect in teaching homemakers nutri-
tion. Hang and Ephross (26) reported a substantial upgrading of nutri-
tive intake for homemakers and their families with the use of new foods
and wise buying. Prichard and Hall (27) have noted that 75 percent of
the clients improved meal planning as a result of visits by an aide.
Some other ways aides helped homemakers, according to Prichard and Hall
were in decreasing order of value to the homemaker, were providing in;
formation about how to: prepare recipes, save money while shopping, do
'better housekeeping, use free lunch and breakfast programs for child-
ren, apply for food stamps and secure help through other agencies.
Verma and Jones (28) found that the greatest dietary changes of
clients occurred after a year of program participation on ENFP with the
significant increase in intake of fruits and vegetables, followed by
milk, bread and cereal and lastly, meat. The greatest effectiveness
occurred within the first year of the program; further gains have
not been demonstrated after the second year (29).
lO
Aides also have shown to be effective in changing dietary
habits of high-risk pregnant women. Bowering and coworkers (30) found
that changes in the diet occurred in a considerably shorter period of
time when aides operated in an obstetric clinic than those doing
regular home visits. The group of pregnant women was too small to re-
port significant changes in nutrient intake. Nevertheless, aides were
seen as a valuable addition to an obstetric care program for low-
income women.
Caliendo and coworkers (31) reported that nutrition classes
in well-baby clinics were beneficial to the child's dietary quality.
Public health clinics and the Cooperative Extension Service have
potential to work together in the provision of nutrition services.
Nutrition Education withianood Programs
Aside from the Focus: HOPE FPP another program currently in
Michigan, provides nutrition assistance to this high risk group. This
is a federally financed project under the child nutrition act of 1966.
The project provides Special Supplemental Foods for Women, Infants and
Children (HIC). In addition to receiving HIC foods, many participants
also receive counseling in nutrition.
Bendick and coworkers (32) in a report on the efficiency and
effectiveness of HIC found only 12 percent of the participants receiving
nutrition education indicated that they had learned something from the
experience. However, this study was conducted before nutrition educa-
tion became a mandatory component of the HIC program. Six objectives
for successful nutrition education program within HIC were outlined
II
in the report (32). Many of the principles discussed duplicated those
utilized by the ENFP. In one HIC program which implemented the use
of nutrition aides, similar to ENFP aides, more clients were reached
with the HIC aides than previously and the nutritionist's time was
freed for more complex nutrition problems (33). Participants in
Focus: HOPE FPP are not eligible to receive HIC supplements.
Dietary Adequacy of Preschool Diets
The diets of some preschool children have been found nutri-
tionally inadequate in certain major nutrients. Guthrie (34) reported
that ascorbic acid and iron were the nutrients that most frequently
fell below the recommended amounts for children, while Dierks and
Marse (35) found only iron to be unusually low. In a recent study
Karp and coworkers (36) reported that inner-city children entering
school had low hemoglobin concentrations and tricep fat folds below
standard, indicating undernutrition.
Family income, money spent on food and educational level of
the mother also have been related to the nutritional adequacy of pre-
school children. Inano and Pringle(37) found a positive relationship
between the intake of individual nutrients and income levels. Hendel
and coworkers (38) focused on specific vitamins, finding that the
adequacy of vitamins A and C intakes in children's diets had a direct
correlation with income. Money spent on food exerted a positive in-
fluence on the dietary intake of children, especially iron and
calcium (39). Educational level of the mother has been shown an in-
fluential factor affecting the feeding practices of children. Futrell
311'
EX
be
Bu
IIU
IOI
fiI'II
IIU'
IEI
wi-
III
III
III
of
km
12
and coworkers (40) reported that iron was low in the diet of children
except when mothers had a college education.
The analysis of the dietary pattern of children usually has
been in relationship to specific nutrients. Yet, according to Lund and
Burk (41) in order to analyze the diet effectively such factors as
nutrition knowledge and food attitudes of the person controlling the
food in the family need to be examined.
Gatekeeper
The family serves as an environment for the developing child
and in general is responsible for the child's food intake and
nutrients (6). The foods eaten by the family are determined by the
choices made by the gatekeeper (7). The gatekeeper's nutrition know-
ledge can affect the selection, preparation and distribution of food
within the family.
Nutrition Knowledge
There are conflicting opinions concerning the level of educa-
tion and nutrition knowledge of the homemaker. Young and coworkers
(42) and Eppright and coworkers (43) demonstrated that the more educa-
tion of the mother the greater her nutrition knowledge. Schwartz (44)
however found that high school graduates did not apply their knowledge
of nutrition to their choice of food and so no correlations between
knowledge and practices were apparent.
Several studies (45, 46) describing the performance of home-
makers in feeding their family reported that their practical know-
ledge was considerably better than their theoretical nutrition know-
ledge. Emmons and Hayes (46) reported that mothers considered foods
13
important based on customs or habit rather than for a specific
nutrition reason.
Fox and coworkers (47) suggested that mothers of preschool
children rely on nutrition information from lay sources, in descending
order of importance: magazines, newspapers, books, TV, radio and
extension bulletins. Information about family food needs is sought
most often from a mother or a relative. Cosper and Wakefield (48)
noted that friends, relatives and family members were the main in-
fluence on homemaker's food choices.
The translation of nutrition knowledge to actual food con-
sumption practices also may be affected by attitude. Eppright and
coworkers (43) indicated favorable attitudes toward nutrition did seem
to influence the nutritional quality of a child's diet. Sims (49)
found that attitudes appeared to exert a consistent influence on
nutrition knowledge.
Effectiveness of Sgpplemental Feeding;Programs
Since commodity food distribution has been in operation,
little attempt to evaluate the program's effectiveness in improving
the dietary intake of recipients has been reported. In a recent study
conducted by Guthrie and coworkers (50), the comodity food program
was found ineffective in improving the overall nutritive intake of
family members participating when compared to nonparticipants. Fewer
families receiving commodities had diets below two-thirds of the rec-
ommended amount of four or more nutrients than did nonparticipating
families.
I4
A comparison of EFNEP families on food stamps, food distribu-
tion programs and those eligible for food but not participating in
any food assistance program was conducted by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (51). The results were that food stamp families had better
diets, larger families and higher income than the families in the
other two groups. In another study, the use of donated foods by
black families made no difference in the nutritional status of the
preschool children (52).
Donated foods, when used by families, should contribute to
the adequacy of calories and protein of the meals. However, certain
conmodities weremore difficult for families of the Potawatimi Indian
community to use due to food preparation equipment, knowledge of
preparation and personal and family preference (53). Neff (54) re-
ported that dried eggs, due to their unfamiliarity, and dried milk,
due to the lack of knowledge of use other than as a beverage, were
the least often used by low income families. Pontzer and Dodds (55)
indicated that rural families seem to need help using the food. Some
observers believe the Department of Agriculture's main concern in
founding the commodity food program was to stablize farm prices and
not to distribute food to the needy (56).
Problems in ChangjngFood Habits
Parrish (57) raised serious doubt whether the use of food
programs such as food stamps and selected commodities can increase the
nutritive quality of the American diet. Giving people shopping money
or supplemental food and telling them what to eat does not guarantee
adaptation of better food habits. However a program does not fail
15
just because all families do not show success. Families will not want
to change their food pattern unless the change is meaningful to them
(58).
Food habits are seen as a standardized set of behaviors
manifested by individuals reared within a culture (59). Food habits
are interwoven with the entire way of life of a people (60). Culture
acts as a screen of values and perception through which the person
views food, his own body and the world (61). Programs designed to
change food habits have not produced significant changes in food
consumption (62). The motivational forces and goals of low-income
families need to be understood for successful nutrition intervention
(63).
Evaluation of Nutrition Intervention Programs
There is a need to evaluate the efficiency of existing food
assistance programs to determine whether they are meeting the food
needs of low-income people. According to the panel of the Senate
committee on Nutrition and Human Needs (64) evaluation should:
(1) determine whether or not the participants in the program per-
ceive the program to be helpful and designed to meet their needs,
(2) determine the quality of nutritional benefits, and (3) reach all
those in need. Because of the growing significance and size of
food distribution programs, nutrition educators are obligated to
make significant efforts at evaluation (65).
METHODOLOGY
Program Selection
Focus: HOPE Food Prescription Program (FPP) was chosen for
the following reasons: (1) no previous research on the use of
commodity food has been conducted on this FPP, (2) the large number of
low-income participants involved in the program, and (3) the inter-
viewer's familiarity with the geographic area. Expanded Nutrition
and Family Program (ENFP) involvement was sought because nutrition
education is not a part of the Focus: HOPE FPP and ENFP aides pro-
vide nutrition education to many of the participants.
Contacts were made by the researcher with appropriate pro-
fessionals of the Focus: HOPE FPP and both the state and the Wayne
County office of the ENFP. The professionals from both programs
indicated a willingness to cooperate with the study. Each program
permitted all participant records to be used by the researcher. The
availability of the records assisted the researcher in the sample
selection and provided some demographic data including: the use of
food stamps, the length of time on programs, the certification clinic,
and the number of children below six years of age in each family
(Appendix A, Figure l).
The nutrition professionals associated with the Detroit
Maternity and Infant Care - Preschool, School and Adolescent (DMIC-
PRESCAD) Project were contacted. While they were willing to pro-
I6
I7
vide some information, clinic records were being computerized and
were not available for use at this time.
Interview Schedule
An interview schedule (Appendix A, Figure 2) was developed
by the researcher for the assessment of nutrition knowledge and food
preparation skills of Focus: HOPE participants. The interview
schedule was designed focusing on the following subjects: food and
nutrition knowledge and attitudes of the gatekeeper concerning
pregnant and nursing women, infants and children under six years of
age; food preparation skills of the gatekeeper especially with the
use of commodity foods; kitchen facilities in the home and prescrip-
tion commodity food use during meals.
The interview schedule "The Use of Prescription Commodity
Foods as Affected by the Expanded Nutrition Program" was approved for
use with human subjects by University Committee on Research involving
Human Subjects.
The Sample
Focus: HOPE FPP and ENFP records were used by the researcher
to select the sample. The potential interviewees were selected from
families where at least one member was not eligible for Focus: HOPE FPP.
Families with children older than six years of age and/or husbands
living in the home were chosen. This selection process would allow
the researcher to determine if commodities are used by family members
not directly participating in the FPP.
The selection of the sample was accomplished by first obtain-
ing those families on Focus: HOPE FPP and ENFP (FPPE). The Focus:
18
HOPE families not participating in ENFP (FPPNE) were then matched
by certification clinic with those Focus: HOPE FPP families partic-
ipating in ENFP. The researcher contacted all potential interviewees
by telephone to verify the address and the number of children living
in the home. The original sample drawn totaled ninety-nine families,
fifty-one families were FPPNE and forty-eight were FPPE. The sample
was then randomly ordered by the use of a random number table.
Pretest of Interview Schedule
Prior to the actual interviewing the questionnaire was pre-
tested for clarity, ability of participants to understand questions,
length of time of the interview and appropriateness of questions.
Three Focus: HOPE FPP participants were interviewed to pretest the
interview schedule; minor changes were made. A second pretest of the
interview schedule was accomplished under actual interviewing con-
ditions; no changes were made.
Interview Process
The interviews were conducted in the participants' homes
from September through November, 1976. The researcher was advised
against interviewing in either the certification clinic or the Focus:
HOPE food warehouse due to the many distractions. It was necessary
to call each prospective interviewee a week prior to set up an
appointment and then the week of the interview to confirm the appoint-
ment. A verbal explanation was given on the phone describing the pur-
pose of the study, assuring confidentiality and introducing the
interviewer (Appendix A, Figure 3).
19
At the beginning of each interview the respondent's role was
clearly stated along with the right to terminate the interview at any
time and participation or answers would not je0pardize their certifi-
cation for the FPP. Each interview was conducted according to the
format of the interview schedule. If at any time the interviewee did
not understand a question, the question was first stated again and
then if further clarification was necessary the question was care-
fully reworded not to change the original meaning of the question
and for further clarification a probe card (Appendix A, Figure 4)
was used. Each interview lasted between 30 and 60 minutes. Due to
the high crime rate in Detroit during the fall of 1976, the re-
searcher was accompanied for added safety by a black volunteer to
each interview.
A consent form was signed at the end of each interview
(Appendix A, Figure 5). For those participants that worked during
the day, or who would not consent to a personal interview, inter-
views were conducted on the telephone. A consent was given verbally
at the end of the interview.
Field Notes
Field notes were recorded after each interview. Information
describing the home, the respondent and any children present at the
time of the interview, attitude of respondent towards the interview
and any problems related to food and nutrition that arose during the
course of the interview were recorded.
20
Nutritional Quality of Focus: HOPE Prescription Commodity Foods
Focus: HOPE FPP provides eleven commodities to participants.
The participants are divided into five groups; mothers, children zero
to three months, children four to twelve months, children thirteen to
thirty-six months and children three to six years. Specific amounts
of each commodity are given to each age group.
The nutritional quality of the Focus: HOPE comodities was
determined for calories, protein, fat (total, saturated and unsaturated),
carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium and
magnesium by calculation from the Nutritive Value of Food Distributed
under USDA Food Assistance Programs (66) and Nutritive Value of American
Foods (67) (Appendix B, Table l). Calories and iron were calculated
for the total package of commodities given to each group (Appendix B,
Table 2).
Procedure for Analysis of Data
The analysis program used for this study was the SPSS statis-
tical package developed for the 6500 model computer at Michigan State
University.
All variables including the five problem solving questions
were calculated for frequencies. Variables calculated for mean and
range were: age, number of children per family, length of time on
Focus: HOPE FPP and ENFP, kitchen equipment, and number of items made
with each commodity. The two groups, FPPE and FPPNE were compared for
differences by the use of the Chi-square statistical test. The vari-
ables used to compare the groups were: age, number of children, Food
21
Stamps use, race, person preparing and shopping for food, nutrition
training received, changes in eating habits while pregnant, advice
obtained while pregnant, reason Focus: HOPE commodities were given,
foods important for a child's growth, commodity importance to health,
concern about food eaten, advice asked while pregnant, help received
in using commodities, trouble using commodities, recipes tried on
I". :4"
packages of commodities, number of items made with each commodity,
number of family members eating commodities and length of time on
Focus: HOPE FPP and ENFP.
RESULTS
The data will be discussed as they relate to the five
principal aspects of the study: family characteristics; the gate-
keeper's understanding of the purpose of prescription commodity foods;
the gatekeeper's knowledge of the importance of an adequate diet for
pregnant and nursing women, infants and young children; the gate-
keeper's food preparation skills as they relate to prescription
commodity foods and the use of prescription commodity foods in family
meal patterns.
In each section the data will describe the total sample,
participants on both the Focus: HOPE Food Prescription Program (FPP)
and Expanded Nutrition and Family Program (ENFP) (FPPE) and those
participants only on Focus: HOPE FPP and not on ENFP (FPPNE). Any
statistical significance will be presented comparing FPPE and FPPNE.
Sample
The final sample consisted of 48 women, 48 percent of the
possible sample, 18 of whom were on both Focus: HOPE FPP and ENFP.
Failure to reach 51 prospective respondents was due to unpublished
phone number (9x), disconnected phone (15x), no such person at given
number (9x), no phone (5x), could never reach at home (9x), no longer
certified for FPP (2x) and have not received food (2x).
22
23
The number of commodities allotted, the amount actually taken
and the number of participants enrolled in the program during the month
of October are described in Appendix C, Tables 1 and 2.
Family Characteristics
The demographic characteristics of the 48 respondents are
shown in Table 1. The mean age of the sample was 29 years, with a
range of 19 to 46 years. FPPE and FPPNE did not vary significantly
from each other. The mean age of FPPE was 28 years while FPPNE was 31
years. Forty—six (86%) of the sample were black, one was Mexican-
American and one Oriental. The FPPE group was all black.
The number of children per family ranged from one to ten with
a mean of four. The age range of the children was between one week and
26 years. Three of the respondents interviewed were pregnant. There
was no significant difference between FPPE and FPPNE in the number of
children per household.
Eight clinics certified the sample interviewed. Most (62%)
were certified at the Grace Ross Clinic. The other clinics in des-
cending order of use were: Comprehensive Health Services of Detroit
(14%), Franklin (6%), Gloria Bingham, Herman Kiefer, and Childrens
Hospital (4% each), and Bruce Douglas and Gratiot (2% each). There was
no significant difference between the certification clinic used by the
two groups.
Food Stamps were used by 71 percent of the sample. There was
a significant (p g .01) difference between the two groups in the use
of Food Stamps. All of FPPE families used Food Stamps as compared to
53 percent of FPPNE families.
DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF ALL THE RESPONDENTS
THOSE ON ENFP (FPPE) AND THOSE ONLY ON THE
FPP (FPPNE)
24
Table 1
DEMOGRAPHIC TOTAL FPPE FPPNE
CHARACTERISTICS (N = 48) (N = 18) (N = 30)
AGE,(YEARS) .% E. .%
Under 25 15 15 15
26-30 45 49 40
31-35 17 10 25
36-40 17 15 17
41 and older 6 ll 3
11s. 11s. 11s.-
Range 19-46 20-42 19-46
Mean 29 28 31
RACE 2 24; 2
Black 96 100 94
Mexican-American 2 0 3
Oriental 2 O 3
NUMBER OF CHILDREN %_ .1 %_
1-2 15 28 4
3-4 50 45 53
5-6 18 17 20
7 and over 17 10 34
Mean 4 4 4
25
Table 1 (continued)
DEMOGRAPHIC TOTAL FPPE FPPNE
CHARACTERISTICS (N = 48) (N = 18) (N = 30)
AGE OF CHILDREN (YEARS) % of Total % of Total % of Total
No. Children No. Children No. Children
Over 18 19 17 20
15-17 19 22 16
12-14 25 27 23
10-11 27 27 43
8-9 50 55 47
6-7 44 27 53
5 37 27 43
4 25 27 23
3 31 11 * 43
2 21 27 16
l 15 l7 13
Less than 1 year 33 27 37
Range 1 week-26 1 week-23 1 month-26
CERTIFICATION CLINIC .E %_ %.
Grace Ross 62 56 66
Franklin 6 5 6
CNS-Detroit 14 17 13
Bruce Douglas 2 O 3
Gratiot 2 O 3
Gloria Bingham 4 5 3
Herman Kiefer 3 5 3
Childrens Hospital 4 11 O
FOOD STAMPS %_ %_ %_
Yes 71 100 ** 53
No 29 O 47
LENGTH OF TIME ON FPP (YEARS) %_ %_ %_
Less than 1 44 50 40
l k - 2 36 45 30
3 - 4g 20 5 30
Range 6-54 6-42 6-54
Mean 20 16 24
Table 1 (continued)
26
DEMOGRAPHIC TOTAL FPPE FPPNE
CHARACTERISTICS (N = 48) (N = 18)» (N = 30)
LENGTH OF TIME ON ENFP
(MONTHS)24;
7-12 33
13 and over 67
Months
Range 7-29
Mean 15
Significant at p
**
Significant at p
(A
5..05
.01
27
The average length of time on the Focus: HOPE FPP was one
year eight months, with a range of six to 54 months. The FPPNE
group averaged about a half a year longer on the program with a mean
of two years as compared to one year four months for FPPE. However,
the difference between the groups was not significant. The average
length of time on ENFP was fifteen months, with a range of six months
to two years five months.
Usual Meal Patterns
No typical pattern of foods consumed was apparent based on a
usual meal pattern recall. Foods consumed by 20 percent or more by the
total sample, FPPE and FPPNE groups are listed in Appendix 0, Table 1.
In the total sample, foods consumed for breakfast were eggs (62%),
toast (56%), bacon (48%), cereal (37%), milk (25%), sausage (23%), and
juice (21%). Other breakfast foods in descending order of use were:
grits, coffee, oatmeal, pancakes, farina, grapefruit juice, orange
juice, hot cereal, peanut butter, cocoa, ham, a sandwich, meat, rice,
potato, biscuits and applesauce. Foods consumed for lunch were:
sandwich (67%), soup and milk (23% each). Other foods in descending
order or use were: meat, fruit juice, vegetables, cookie, hamburger,
hot dog, lunch meat, salad, french fries, cake, potato, bread, drink,
tea, bacon, beef stew, peanut butter, and chicken. Foods consumed for
dinner were: meat (58%), vegetables (54%), potato (29%), salad (23%)
and rice (21%). Other foods eaten for dinner in descending order of
use were chicken, beans, mashed potatoes, corn bread, bread, milk, corn,
stew, dessert, juice, macaroni and cheese, peas, pork chops, steak,
28
jello, cabbage, rolls, sandwich, croquette, leg bones, broccoli,
sweet potato, soup, kool aid, drink, pie, turkey and dressing and
biscuits. Foods consumed for snacks were cookies (44%); others in
descending order of use were milk, fruit, cake, sandwich, ice cream,
peanut butter sandwich, potato chips, candy, apple, orange, raisins,
pie, cheese and crackers, donuts, baked goods, vegetables, popcorn,
salad, jello, plums, rice pudding, cereal and juice. There was no
significant difference between the two groups in foods eaten.
Extent Gatekeeper understands purpose of Focus: HOPE FPP
Only 56 percent of the respondents reported knowing why Focus:
HOPE commodities were given to pregnant and nursing women, infants and
children up to six years. A greater but not a significantly different
percentage of FPPNE (67%) indicated knowing the purpose of the FPP as
compared to FPPE (39%). When asked for the reason why commodities
were given, 39 percent reported to supplement budget or income. Other
reasons in descending order of frequency were providing a balanced
meal, providing nourishing food, for proper nutrition, for growing
bones, protecting children from deficiencies, for vitamins and iron,
for children to get a good start and for brain food. When asked how
the food program most helped them 44 percent of the respondents re-
ported helping increasing their food budget. Other answers were
Ihaving food, having meat, buying less, not needing to buy essentials
like milk and farina, cutting food bill, giving proper food, pro-
viding variety, providing filling food, providing more meals, pro-
viding more vegetables and liking the food.
29
Commodities refused to eat
Thirty-five percent of the children refused to eat one or more
of the commodities. A greater but not significantly different per-
centage (44%) of the FPPE children than FPPNE children (27%) refused
to eat the food. The commodities most disliked by children were dried
eggs, farina, potatoes, vegetables, milk, chicken, fruit juice and
peanut butter. The dislike was mainly due to taste or texture of the
food.
Forty-seven percent of the respondents on the program
would not eat all of the foods given. The commodities disliked most by
those women were farina, canned plums, peanut butter, vegetables, dried
milk, dried eggs, chicken, and instant potatoes. The respondents'
reasons for not liking the foods were the same as the childrens'
reasons. There was little variation between FPPE (50%) and FPPNE (47%)
in the percent of respondents refusing to eat one or more conmodities.
Commodities most disliked
Forty-eight percent of the respondents did not like one or
more of the commodities. Foods the respondents would most like to see
removed from the program were plums, fruit juice, instant potatoes,
peanut butter, dried eggs, chicken, farina, evaporated milk and dried
milk. Most respondents stated the taste or texture was the reason
they did not like the commodity.
New commodity desired
Twenty-nine percent of the respondents would like cheese
added to the list. Other foods asked for were another kind of juice,
meat, vegetable, milk or hot cereal, butter, sugar, rice, bread, pork,
bacon, cooking oil, flour, cocoa and dried beans.
30
Gatekeepers' knowledge of importance of an adequate diet
The majority (83%) of the women reported that they were con-
cerned about what they ate normally. Ninety-four percent of the FPPE
group reported concern as compared to 77 percent of the FPPNE group.
When asked why, the reasons given in deScending order of importance
were losing weight (21%), eating balanced meals (17%), eating vege-
tables (12%) and maintaining health (12%). Other reasons given by
less than ten percent were providing proper nutrition, eating foods
liked, regulating blood pressure, getting enough iron, preventing
anemia, eating proper foods, eating fewer fried foods and sweets and
eating good breakfasts. No significant difference was noted between
the two groups.
Change in food habits while pregggnt
Sixty-seven percent of the women interviewed reported chang-
ing the way they ate while pregnant. A variety of changes were re-
ported: 15 percent of the total sample indicated their diet changed
by increasing vegetables, milk, or fruit; 12 percent reported increase
in meat: ten percent changed behavior because of craving or weight.
Other changes included: increasing leafy vegetables, juice, vitamins,
or protein; decreasing salt, sweets, greasy food, highly seasoned food.
junk food or starchy food; eating a balanced meal: eating breakfast;
eating foods good for the baby.
Thirty-five percent of the total sample indicated that a
pregnant woman should eat for two. A larger but not significantly
larger percentage (44%) of the FPPE group reported eating for two
than FPPNE (30%).
31
Twenty-three percent of the total sample reported having a
craving for Argo corn starch during one of their pregnancies. More of
the FPPNE (27%) reported having a craving than FPPE (17%). The dif-
ference was not significant.
Foods important for child'sgrowth
The food group most often mentioned as being important for a
child's growth was vegetables (83%); the others were meat (81%), milk
(79%), bread (65%) and fruit (46%).
Nutritional adviceduring gregnancy
Only 27 percent of the total sample asked for advice during
pregnancy. Their major concern was weight (15%); other concerns were
food groups, blood, foods hurting baby, swelling feet. There was no
difference noted between the two groups. The majority of the re-
spondents reported receiving advice.
Less than half (45%) of the women reported obtaining advice
from a doctor. Twenty-seven percent reported obtaining advice from no
one. Other places from which information was obtained were clinic (8%),
nutritionist (6%), doctor and nutritionist, books and prenatal class
(4% each). No one reported getting advice from an ENFP aide. Advice
from these services was given on dieting (25%), food groups (19%),
lowering salt and increasing vitamins consumption (10% each). Less
than ten percent were advised on increasing iron, milk or protein;
A decreasing fried foods, hot foods, or fluids; and regulating blood
pressure.
Perceived nutritional quality of commodities
One section of the interview schedule focused on partici-
pant's ideas of the value of commodities. Specifically interviewees
32
were asked if commodities were good for pregnant and nursing women,
infants and young children. There were no significant differences be-
tween the two groups FPPE and FPPNE.
Canned meat. Canned meat was considered good by every
respondent. The reason most given fer meat being important to health
was it provides protein (42%). Other reasons were meat had vitamins
(15%), iron (12%), minerals, was just good, had calcium, energy, oil,
was free of bacteria, makes blood and fills basic need (all below 10%).
Ten percent did not provide a reason.
Canned fruithgice. Canned fruit juice also was considered
nutritionally good by the total group. The reasons most given were it
contained vitamins (40%), and vitamin C (29%). Other reasons were
fruit juice had nutrients, protein, was a basic food, was good for you,
had minerals, folic acid, was a laxative, was supposed to drink.
Seventeen percent did not know a reason.
Cannedgeggtables. Canned vegetables were reported good for
the intended group by 98 percent of the total group. The major
reasons were vegetables had vitamins (48%), iron (17%), or vitamins
and minerals (10%). Other reasons given were vegetables had protein,
nutrition, was important, was good for you, had vitamin A, had vitamin
C, built body, was supposed to have once or twice a day, was better
than fresh, had no additives and needed more.
Dried milk. Dried milk was reported good for women by 96 per-
cent. The major reasons were milk had vitamins (27%), calcium (19%),
was good for bones (19%), teeth (14%), and had vitamin 0(12%). Other
reasons stated were milk had iron, protein, vitamin A, built muscle,
33
had minerals, was fat free, was nutritious, helped eyesight, and had
vitamin C.
Dried milk was reported good for children by the total group.
The main reasons were milk was good for teeth (31%), bones (29%), had
calcium (25%) and vitamins. Other reasons given were milk had vitamin
A, protein, iron, minerals, was part of basic seven, had vitamin C,
helped in growing, was babies' first food and helped in the formative
years. Ten percent did not give a reason.
Dried eggs. Dried eggs were reported good by 96 percent.
Forty percent of the group reported dried eggs had protein as the
reason, 16 percent did not know the reason, 16 percent had stated
vitamins, 10 percent each stated had iron and similar to real eggs.
Other reasons given were eggs had calcium, cholesterol, vitamin A,
health, and similar to milk, or meat.
fggigg. Farina was reported good by 98 percent. The reasons
stated were farina was a morning food (37%), had vitamins (23%), iron
(21%), protein and starch (12% each). Other reasons given were
farina was a cereal, had minerals, was nutritious, makes one strong,
and was good for you.
Peanut butter. Peanut butter was reported good by 90 per-
cent. The reasons given were peanut butter had vitamins (21%), was
similar to meat (19%), nutritious (16%), had protein (15%), minerals
'(12%), and oil (10%). Other reasons given by less than 10% were
peanut butter had iron, was good for bones, was a laxative, provided
energy, had vitamin C, and keeps you healthy.
34
Dried potatoes. Dried potatoes were reported good by 98 per-
cent of the total sample. The main reasons given were dried potatoes
was a starch or cereal (33%), and had vitamins (19%). Other reasons
given were dried potatoes was a protein, mineral, was a part of basic
seven and provided calories. Twenty-five percent did not know a
reason.
Canned_plums. Canned plums were reported to be good for you
by 96 percent of total sample. The major reasons given were plums
was a fruit (44%), had vitamins (25%), and was a laxative (21%). Other
reasons given were plums had vitamin C, iron and minerals.
Food Preparation Skills of Gatekeeper
Food_preparation and shoppjgg.
Ninety-two percent of the respondents reported preparing their
own food. Other people who prepared the food were the grandmother (6%)
and sister (2%). Ninety-six percent of the respondents reported doing
their own shopping. Other people that would do shopping were the grand-
mother and sister (2% each). No significant difference was found be-
tween the two groups.
Training
Fifty-eight percent of the total sample received training in
Home Economics, 18 percent received no training. Others received
Atraining in either food preparation, nutrition or a combination. The
, majority of the training was received in high school (44%). Other
places were junior high school, cooking professionally, as a dietetic
aid, or a combination. Thirty-nine percent of the FPPE group stated
they had received training from an ENFP aide. Due to ENFP aide
35
training, there was a significant difference (p §_.05) between the
groups where training was received. Forty-one percent of the sample
had a year or less of training, 21 percent had between one and one-half
to two years, 21 percent had between two and one-half and six years of
training.
Approximately half (52%) of the sample learned what foods to
feed their family from their mother, 33 percent learned from school,
16 percent learned on their own at home, six percent each learned from
an ENFP aide, or clinic. Other respondents learned from: books,
pamphlets, brother, nutritionist, 4H club, Head Start or just knew.
Commodity use
Forty-eight percent had no help using commodities. For those
who did receive help, it came from an ENFP aide (19%), friend (15%),
sister, women in line at Focus: HOPE and nutritionist (4% each). Only
39 percent of the FPPE group received help from an ENFP aide.
Twenty-nine percent of the total sample reported having trouble
using the commodities. Commodities considered the most difficult to
use were farina, dried milk, dried eggs, chicken, peanut butter and
meat. These connodities were considered hard to use because of their
taste and texture. There was no significant difference between the
two groups.
Ninety percent of the total sample reported seeing recipes on
the packages of the commodities. However, only 58 percent reported try-
ing those recipes. The recipes most often tried were BBQ Beef (31%) and
peanut butter cookies (30%). Other recipes tried were regular instant
milk, chocolate milk, vanilla pudding, hot cereal, chicken salad and
buttermilk.
36
Sixty-three percent of the total sample reported receiving
recipes. Twenty-nine percent reported receiving recipes from an ENFP
aide and 20 percent from Focus: HOPE. Others received recipes from
the clinic, a friend, mother, and through the mail. There was a
significant difference (p 5_.05) between where the FPPE and FPPNE
groups received their recipes. Only 61 percent of the FPPE group re-
ported receiving recipes from an ENFP aide.
Kitchen equipment
Table 2 indicates the amount of equipment available in the
respondents' homes. The total group had refrigerators , 98 percent a
range, 96 percent a can opener, 67 percent an electric mixer, 44 per—
cent a blender, 25 percent an electric fry pan, 15 percent a toaster
oven, ten percent a freezer and eight percent a hot plate. The mean
number of pots was eight with a range from two to 35. The mean number
of fry pans was 3.6, with a range of one to eight. The mean number
of measuring cups was 2.3 with a range of zero to eight. Mean number
of measuring spoons sets was 1.2 with a range of zero to four. Fifteen
percent of the respondents had no measuring cups, 27 percent had no
measuring spoons.
Number of items_prepared with each commodity
Canned meats. The average number of items prepared from the
(canned meats (both beef and chicken) was 3.3, from beef alone 1.5 and
from chicken alone 1.8. The range of items made from both meats was
one to eight, beef alone zero to four and chicken alone zero to five.
There was no difference in the use of meats between the two groups.
Items prepared with the commodities are listed in Table 3. The
favorite items made from the beef were 880 beef (44%) and beef stew
Table 2
DESCRIPTION OF KITCHEN EQUIPMENT IN THE HOME
OF THE TOTAL SAMPLE, THOSE ON ENFP (FPPE) AND
THOSE ONLY ON THE FPP (FPPNE)
KITCHEN TOTAL FPPE FPPNE
EQUIPMENT ((N = 48) (N = 18) (N = 30)
APPLIANCES %_ _%_ 1
Refrigerator -
1 door 23 28 20
Refrigerator -
2 door 77 72 80
Freezer 10 11 10
Range 98 100 97
Hot plate 8 5 10
Electric fry pan 25 17 30
Not operating 2 5 O
Blender 44 44 43
Not operating 2 O 3
Electric mixer 67 5O 77
Not operating 4 5 3
Toaster oven 15 5 20
Not operating 4 O 7
Can opener 96 90 100
Not operating 2 5 O
POTS %_ g 5
Five or
less 28 47 37
more 62 53 63
22;. £24. 22;.
Mean 2-35 2-10 3-35
Range 8 5 9.1
FRY PANS %_ g ;%_
.1'2 19 28 13
3-4 60 61 6O
5 and more 21 ll 27
no. no. no.
Range 138' 1:6' 138'
Mean 3.6 3.3 4.0
38
Table 2 (continued)
KITCHEN TO L FPPE FPPNE
EQUIPMENT (N = 48) (N = 18) (N = 30)
MEASURING CUPS 1 Z %_
O 15 17 33
1-2 48 28 60
3 and more 37 55 27
no. no. no.
Range "078' OTB 5:6
Mean 2.3 2.8 2.0
MEASURING SPOONS
24. 24. a
0 27 17 33
l and more 73 83 67
no. no. no.
Range 6:4’ 'O:4 IO:2
Mean 1.2 1.3 .7
PERCENT OF FAMILIES PREPARING SPECIFIC DISHES
WITH EACH COMMODITY FOR THE TOTAL SAMPLE,
THOSE ON ENFP (FPPE) AND THOSE ONLY ON THE FPP (FPPNE)
39
Table 3
COMMODITY TOTAL FPPE FPPNE
g: a aCanned Meat
BBQ Beef 44 50 40
Beef Stew 4O 50 33
Chicken Salad 54 67 47
Fruit Juice
Drink 100 100 100
Vegetable
Plain 56 50 6O
Soup 30 39 13
Bean 8 Potato 25 33 20
Dried Milk
Made with water 37 33 40
Made half with
homogenized milk 37 33 40
Chocolate 34 45 13
Bread 29 39 23
In cooking 44 44 43
Dried Egg Mix
Scrambled 52 56 50
Corn Bread 58 50 63
Cakes 42 44 40
Farina '
Hot Cereal 94 89 97
Corn Bread 40 56 3O
Peanut Butter
Sandwich 96 89 100
Cookies 81 83 80
On Crackers 33 33 33
Potatoes
Mashed 100 100 100
Plums
Plain 83 83 83
*Significant at p 5_.Ol.
4O
(40%). Other items in descending order of importance were beef with
gravy, hash, sloppy joes, beef with tomato sauce, beef pie, pepper
steak, spaghetti, beef With vegetables, chili and cream chip beef.
Items made from chicken were chicken salad (54%), casserole, soup,
with dressing, pattie, with rice or noodles, with dumplings, pie, a la
king, fried, hash and loaf.
Canned fruit‘juice. Items prepared with the fruit juice
ranged from one to three with a mean of 1.3. Every respondent reported
using the juice to drink. Other uses for the juice were punch, kool
aid, jello and tea. There was no significant difference found between
the two groups and the use of the juice.
Canned vegetables. Use of the vegetables ranged from one to
six items with a mean of 2.6. The majority of the vegetables were
prepared plain (56%), in soup (30%) and with beans and potatoes (25%).
Other ways the vegetables were prepared (below 10%) in descending order
of importance were in stews, as fried corn, with white sauce, in pie,
with tuna, in a bean or pea salad, with meat or salt pork. No dif-
ference was found between the two groups and the use of vegetables.
Dried milk. Use of the dried milk ranged from one to seven
items with a mean of 3.5. The majority of the respondents used the
milk in cooking (44%). When used as a beverage: 37 percent mixed the
powder dried milk with just water, 37 percent mixed equal portions of
7 powder dried milk with homogenized fluid milk and 34 percent made
chocolate milk. Dried milk also was used in: corn bread (29%), in
cakes, cereal, pudding, ice cream, macaroni and cheese, cream potato.
cream sauce, salad dressing, milk shakes, coffee, eggs and grits.
There was a significant difference (p §_.Ol) found between the two
groups and the use of dried milk.
41
Dried egg. Use of dried eggs ranged from one to six items
with a mean of 2.8. The majority of the respondents used the dried
eggs in: corn bread (58%), scrambled eggs (52%), baking cakes (42%).
Other uses for the dried eggs were mixed in: fresh eggs, baking
breads, cooking, puddings, macaroni and cheese, pies, pancakes, custard,
meat' loaf, french toast and cookies. There was no difference found
between the two groups and the use of dried eggs.
[25151. Use of farina ranged from one to four items with a
mean of 1.7. Hot cereal (94%) and corn bread (40%) were the two most
used preparation methods. Other items made were muffins, fried cakes,
meat loaf, pizza, cake, peanut butter cookies and cupcakes. There was
a significant difference (p 5_.Ol) in the use of farina and the two
groups.
Peanut butter. Use of peanut butter ranged from one to five
items with a mean of 2.5. Almost all of the respondents used the pea-
nut butter in sandwiches (96%) or cookies (81%). Other uses were on
crackers, in cakes, plain, on fruit, on toast, on pancakes, on ice
cream, as candy, on celery and in cupcakes. No significant difference
was noted between the two groups.
Instant Potatoes. Use of potatoes ranged from one to three
items with a mean of 1.4. Everyone used the potatoes as mashed. Other
methods of preparation were in patties, as shepard pie, with cheese,
vwith beans, on salad, in rolls and in soup. No significant difference
was noted between the two groups.
Cannedplums. Use of plums ranged from zero to three items
with a mean of 1.2. Most of the respondents ate the plums plain (83%).
42
Other uses for the plums were: mixed with fruit, in cobbler, in
pudding, in cake, as a pie, with yogurt or dream whip. No significant
difference was noted.
Evaporated milk. Use of evaporated milk ranged from one to
six items with a mean of 2.6. The major use was in cooking (65%),
coffee and drinking (33% each). Other ways were mixed with dried milk,
in cereal, in cake making, in macaroni and cheese, in pudding, in
mashed potatoes, as ice cream, in breads, in corn bread, in pie, in
cocoa, in pancakes, in milk shakes and in sauces. No significant dif-
ference was noted.
Commodity Use in Family Meal Patterns
Focus: HOPE commodities are intended to be used by only those
who are eligible for the FPP. The use of commodities during meals were
studied from three different questions. All respondents indicated the
commodities were used by every family member. Tables 4 and 5 indicate
which family members eat at each meal. There is a significant (P §_.05)
difference between the number of males in FPPE and FPPNE groups eating
dinner and children under six eating breakfast.
Tables 6, 7 and 8 show the distribution of commodities with
each meal.
Problem Solving_
The data obtained from the five problem solving questions had
no definable answer. The information obtained from the questions were
used in the same manner as subjective field notes.
43
Table 4
PERCENT OF MALE AND FEMALE FAMILY MEMBERS EATING
BREAKFAST. LUNCH AND DINNER IN THE HOME FOR THE
TOTAL GROUP, THOSE ON ENFP (FPPE) AND THOSE ONLY ON THE FPP (FPPNE)
MEAL MAKE FEMALE
TOTAL FPPE FPPNE TOTAL FPPE FPPNE
(N=48) (N=18) (N=30) (N=48) (N=18) (N=3Q)
2‘: 1 2‘: 2‘: LE 24.
Breakfast 17 5 23 67 61 70
Lunch 8 O 13 77 61 87
Dinner 25 O * 4O 96 89 100
*
significant at P :_.O5
Table 5
PERCENT OF CHILDREN EATING BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
IN THE HOME FOR THE TOTAL SAMPLE, THOSE ON
ENFP (FPP) AND THOSE ONLY ON THE FPP (FPPNE)
MEAL CHILDREN 2.6 CHILDREN < 6
TOTAL FPPE FPPNE TOTAL FPPE FPPNE
(N=48) (N‘IBIIN=3QI: (N348) (N=18) ,(N=30)
1 1 z. 2‘: a 3
Breakfast 94 89 97 96 44 * 93
' Lunch 27 28 27 83 94 87
Dinner 96 94 97 96 100 93
*significant at P _<_ .05
44
Table 6
PERCENT OF FAMILIES FOR THE TOTAL GROUP,
THOSE ON ENFP (FPPE) AND THOSE ONLY ON THE
FPP (FPPNE) USING EACH COMMODITY TO PREPARE BREAKFAST
COMMODITIES TOTAL FPPE FPPNE
(N = 48) (N = 18) (N = 30)
1 Z Z:
Canned meat 0 O O
Canned fruit juice 65 55 7O
Canned vegetables 0 O 0
Dried milk 77 67 83
Dried egg mix 62 67 6O
Farina 92 89 93
Peanut butter 2 O 3
Instant potatoes 0
Canned plums 2 5 O
Evaporated milk 52 55 50
Corn syrup 0 O O
45
Table 7
PERCENT OF FAMILIES FOR THE TOTAL GROUP,
‘THOSE ON ENFP (FPPE) AND THOSE ONLY ON THE
FPP (FPPNE) USING EACH COMMODITY TO PREPARE LUNCH
COMMODITIES TOTAL FPPE FPPNE
(NT48) (111481 (N7; 301
Canned meat 40 44 37
Canned fruit juice 25 22 27
Canned vegetables 25 22 27
Dried milk 50 33 6O
Dried egg mix 8 0 13
Farina 2 O 3
Peanut butter 52 5O 53
Instant potatoes 14 O 20
Canned plums, 19 0 3O
Evaporated milk 30 22 23
Corn syrup 0 O O
46
Table 8
PERCENT OF FAMILIES FOR THE TOTAL GROUP,
THOSE ON ENFP (FPPE) AND THOSE ONLY ON THE
FPP (FPPNE) USING EACH COMMODITY TO PREPARE DINNER
COMMODITIES TOTAL FPPE FPPNE
(N = 48) ,(N = 18) (N = 30)
E Z 25.
Canned meat 100 100 100
Canned fruit juice 23 39 13
Canned vegetables 98 95 100
Dried milk 58 61 57
Dried egg mix 14 11 17
Farina O O 0
Peanut butter 4 5 3
Instant potatoes 79 78 80
Canned plums 25 33 20
Evaporated milk 35 39 33
Corn syrup 0 O O
DISCUSSION
The following discussion will focus on the five principal
aspects of the study: family characteristics; the gatekeeper's know-
ledge of the purpose of prescription commodity foods; the gatekeeper's
knowledge of the importance of an adequate diet for pregnant and
nursing women, infants and young children; the gatekeeper's food pre-
paration skills as they relate to prescription commodity foods and
the use of prescription commodity foods in family meal patterns. The
discussion section will include a description of the total sample,
participants on both the Focus: HOPE Food Prescription Program (FPP)
and the Expanded Nutrition and Family Program (ENFP) and those
participants only on Focus: HOPE FPP and not on ENFP.
Family Characteristics
The 48 respondents in this study ranged in age from 19 to 46
years, with the mean age of 29 years. Three of the respondents were
pregnant. The method of sampling included only families with members
not eligible for the FPP. This sampling procedure excluded single
pregnant women living alone, and single mothers with only children
under 6 years. None of the families in the sample were childless.
The average age of respondents and the number of children in the family
were similar to those of homemakers surveyed in a nationwide study (19)
of the Expanded Family and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
47
48
ngg, All but two of the respondents interviewed were black.
This sample had a higher percentage of black participants than re-
ported in the U.S. Department of Agriculture study (51) on the com-
parison of EFNEP families on food assistance programs. However,
respondents in this study resided within approximately a two mile
radius of the Oakman Boulevard warehouse of FPP (Appendix E, Figure l)
in a largely black section of Detroit. The sample was selected from
Focus: HOPE participants certified by eight clinics, all of which
principally served black clientele. The respondents were considered
by the researcher to be representative of the Focus: HOPE clientele.
Bendick and coworkers (32) studied efficiency and effectiveness in
the WIC Delivery system; black participants comprised only 40 percent
of their sample. However, 21 percent of the clinics surveyed by
Bendick and coworkers (32) did not serve any black clientele.
Food Stamps. All of the families on ENFP and the Focus:
HOPE FPP (FPPE) were also recipients of food stamps. This was
significantly different (p 5 .01) from those families only on the
Focus: HOPE FPP (FPPNE). Since clinics certifying for the FPP pro-
vide health care to low-income families, most families using these
clinics would be eligible for Food Stamp benefits. Therefore, there
is probably no difference in eligibility for the Fbod Stamp program
, between FPPE and FPPNE. Sixty-six percent of those participants on
ENFP were certified for FPP shortly after an ENFP aide started visit-
ing. A major objective of EFNEP nationally as stated by Frye (24)
is to increase the use of food stamps and other food assistance pro-
grams. This study provided evidence that ENFP aides do encourage
49
families to enroll in food programs and the aides have been success-
ful.
Length of Participation in Programs. The mean length of time
of all sampled families on Focus: HOPE FPP was 20 months. For the
FPPE group, the average length of time on ENFP was 15 months. Since
66 percent of the FPPE families were certified for the FPP after
starting ENFP, they have been on the program for a shorter time than
FPPNE families. Therefore, FPPE respondents may not have had as much
experience in using the commodities as FPPNE. The FPPE group's shorter
length of participation on the FPP may account for the lack of a
significant difference between the two groups in food preparation
skills and nutrition knowledge of commodities.
Usual Meal Pattern
Most respondents ate three meals a day. The foods commonly
eaten for breakfast were eggs, toast and bacon; for lunch a sandwich;
for dinner meats and vegetables and for a snack, cookies. In general
the foods eaten at meals followed a traditional pattern; few snack
foods were reported as part of meals. In describing the foods normally
eaten for meals, most of the sample mentioned the use of foods from
each of the four basic food groups.
Commodities in meals. Focus: HOPE commodities except for
milk and juice did not seem to be a main part of the meal pattern.
Milk is received by participants in two forms, evaporated and dried,
in quantities usually enough to last the entire month. A typical
family with one child under and one over three years of age would
receive approximately 75 quarts of milk a month, which is equivalent
50
to 2.5 quarts a day. This seems to make a significant addition of
milk to the diet. Juice is considered important for health by
participants and is provided by the program in moderate amounts (three
46 ounce cans per client per month). The majority of the other
commodities usually were received in smaller quantities and merely
supplemented the monthly food supply.
Nutrient contribution. Focus: HOPE commodities did appear to
provide an increased amount of available nutrients to the diet. For
example, a family of five with two children (one under and one over
three years) on the program would receive a total of 1262 mg. of iron
a month in the 11 FPP commodities. Each family member could obtain
eight mg. of iron per day from this supplemental food, if the 11
commodities were divided equally. This study has shown that the com-
modities are eaten by all family members. If so, the one to three
year old and three to six year old child would receive approximately
50 percent and 80 percent of their respective RDA's for iron from the
commodities.
Effect on food bugget. The dollar value that the commodities
contributed to the food budget was difficult to document. If com-
modities were not a part of the food budget,participants because of
the cost might not drink as much milk. The interview schedule was not
constructed to be sensitive in detecting how much the FPP commodities
added to the food budget.
Extent Gatekeeper Understands Purpose of Focus: HOPE FPP
The use of commodities in the hoUsehold may be affected by the
participants' perception of why they are receiving supplemental food.
51
Fifty six percent of the respondents in this study reported knowing
why they were given Focus: HOPE commodities. However, only 15 per-
cent could provide an accurate reason for the purpose of prescription
commodity foods.
Most of the other respondents reported income supplementation
as the reason for obtaining the food. Without understanding the primary
reason for the program, participants used the commodities to feed the
entire family. Rada stated (18) that in the past, the main purpose of
food assistance programs was to supplement the budget of low-income
people. The perception of why participants are getting the food has
not seemed to have changed even though each participant of the FPP must
be certified as eligible by a participating health clinic or a private
physician. The intent of food distribution programs is to raise the
nutritional status and ultimately to improve the health of recipients
(32). To accomplish these goals people must have a full understanding
of the purpose of the program.
A plan has been proposed to have the participants of the
Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and children '
sign an affidavit stating supplemental foods will only be given to the
intended group. Implementation of this plan would probably not affect
supplemental food distribution in the family as the purpose of the
program was not understood by Focus: HOPE participants.
Commodities disliked. A concern of the U.S. Senate panel on
Nutrition and Special groups (64) is that the food must meet the needs
of the people. Certain commodities provided by the FPP were disliked
by this sample. Some children refused to eat prepared dried eggs
52
because they disliked the taste and texture. Pontzer and Dodds (55)
also found that several commodities, including dried eggs, were dis-
liked. Reasons other commodities were disliked included the chicken
was stringy, peanut butter was dry, farina was coarse, vegetables
were tough or soft and grapefruit juice was too tart. More FPPE than
FPPNE children refused to eat the commodities, however, the difference
was not statistically significant. This difference in acceptance may
be a function of length of time exposure to commodities. The FPPE
group had been receiving commodities for a shorter time.
In this study, the women did not like the taste of farina, so
most used it as a breakfast cereal for only the children. It was un-
fortunate that the women did not eat farina as it is an excellent
source of iron. The farina contained approximately one-half of the
iron in the month's supplemental food package intended for consump-
tion by the mother.
At least 98 percent of all commodities allotted in October, 1976,
except dried eggs, were picked up from the warehouse. However, of the
egg mix allotted, only eight percent was not taken despite the fact
that for five days it was not available. Respondents did not report
sale or discard of dried eggs or other disliked commodities. Parti-
cipants whose children did not like the dried egg mix and other dis-
liked commodities used them in cooking or baking, where the taste was
’ not detected. This indicates efforts made by the respondents to use
commodities in preparations acceptable to themselves and their children.
Changes desired. When asked to pick one commodity that
participants did not wish to receive, plums were most often chosen due
53
to their unfamiliarity with and the sweetness of the product. This is
unfortunate because the fruit is a good source of vitamin A and iron.
Cheese would be preferred as a substitute commodity. The addi-
tion of cheese to the diet would provide an extra source of protein,
calcium and vitamin A. Women felt it was difficult to use all of the
milk provided, therefore the replacement of some milk with cheese would
maintain nutrients provided while adding variety to commodities
received.
Gatekegper's Knowledge of the Importance of an Adeqpate Diet
Most (83%) of the sample expressed concern about their diet be-
fore and during pregnancy. Their two main concerns focused around
weight and a desire to increase consumption of foods from the four
food groups. Fox and coworkers (47) found homemakers rely on lay
sources, mainly magazines and newspapers, for nutrition information.
Nutrition knowledge provided in magazines is usually related to diet-
ing and weight. The source of nutrition information may influence
dietary concerns. Verma and Jones (28) reported that the greatest
change in the diets of EFNEP families was the increased intake of
foods in the basic four food groups. The interest expressed by
respondents in increasing the frequency of basic four foods in the
diet may be related to both ENFP aide visits and to prenatal clinic
visits, where the basic four groups also is emphasized. The reason
offered for change in diet during pregnancy rarely was related to
the needs of the unborn infant.
Nutrition education in pregnancy. Women during pregnancy
seem to be concerned about what they eat. Bowering and coworkers
54
(30) showed that ENFP aides in a prenatal clinic were more effective
in changing behavior than aides making home visits. Nutrition educa-
tion during pregnancy may be more effective than at other times of
life.
Perceived nutritional quality of commodities. Respondents
were asked if commodities were good for the intended group and if so
why. Most (90% or more) reported that each commodity was good for
health. However when asked for a specific reason why each commodity
was good less than 40 percent could name a major nutrient in the
food. The highest number of correct answers were given for canned
meat, fruit juice, vegetables, dried eggs and milk. The widest
variety of incorrect reasons for why commodities are good were given
for dried potatoes, canned plums, farina and peanut butter. Dried
potatoes, canned plums and farina were the most unfamiliar commodities.
Few respondents could name a major nutrient in farina; most felt it
was good because it was a breakfast food. This may account for the
inability of respondents to prepare farina in other ways besides as a
hot breakfast cereal.
Respondents appeared to recognize nutrient names but in many
cases did not know foods which were good sources of each nutrient.
When the probe card was used respondents often answered with the
nutrient most familiar to them. Extra emphasis should be made to
teach participants both knowledge about and use of those commodities
which were unfamiliar.
Effectiveness of ENFP. According to Verma and Jones (28),
EFNEP is most effective in making dietary changes within the first
55
year of participation. Longer participation than this initial year
has not been demonstrated to produce significant change in dietary
habits (29). Most of the FPPE group had the optimum exposure to the
nutrition information provided by ENFP aides since they had partic-
ipated longer than one year.
There was no difference between the FPPE group and the FPPNE
group in nutrition knowledge. From the data collected it does not
appear that participation in ENFP made an impact on the respondents'
technical nutrition knowledge since there was no significant difference
between FPPE and FPPNE. However, this appraisal may not be fair since
the level of knowledge ENFP families had before participating in the
program was not tested. Additionally, although the sample is not dif-
ferent based on family characteristics the groups may differ in vari-
ables not studied such as income. The FPPE group may have had a lower
income than the FPPNE group. Other socioeconomic factors also may have
contributed to differences in nutrition knowledge before participation
in ENFP.
The FPPE group did report receiving more recipes than the
FPPNE group. The majority of recipes were received from ENFP aides,
indicating an impact by aides on homemakers' use of commodities.
Problem solvipguguestions. Answers to the five problem
questions did not provide additional information concerning nutrition
knowledge of the respondents. A more intense probing might have
solicited answers which could indicate respondents' nutrition know-
ledge. The use of problem solving questions is an interesting approach
to studying nutrition knowledge but requires further refinement in
order to provide useful data.
56
Food Preparation Skills of Gatekeeper
Most respondents reported doing their own shopping and food
preparation. They are responsible for food eaten in the home so they
are the family member for whom nutrition education is most important.
Over one-half the respondents reported that they learned what
foods to feed their families from their mother. A possible nutrition
education program directed at the grandmother with special emphasis on
children may be a means of increasing the mother's nutrition knowledge.
Only six percent mentioned an ENFP aide as a primary source of informa-
tion on feeding the family. Cosper and Wakefield (48) also found that
friends and relatives were the main influence on homemakers' food choices.
Homemakers do not recognize the importance of the ENFP aides as teachers.
To be effective the ENFP aides must be perceived as a reliable informa-
tion source.
Help Using Commodities. Fifty-two percent of respondents re-
ported receiving help in using Focus: HOPE commodities. Only 39 per-
cent of the FPPE group reported receiving help from an ENFP aide. How-
ever, a greater percentage of respondents reported receiving recipes
and approximately 60 percent of FPPE received recipes from an ENFP
aide. The FPPE group made chocolate milk from dried milk and cornbread
from farina significantly more than the FPPNE group (p 5_.Ol). These
are recipes that are available to ENFP aides for distribution.
Difficulty in Using Commodities. Respondents in this sample
stated that the most difficult commodity to use was farina. They were
unsure of how to serve it other than as a breakfast food and they dis-
liked the taste. Respondents found most commodities difficult to pre-
pare in a way that tasted good.
57
Lack of kitchen equipment did not seem to be a problem with
the majority of the sample. Most of the sample had the necessary equip-
ment to prepare foods. On the whole, commodities were reported dif-
ficult to use because they were unfamiliar products. Many women desired
more recipes for using the foods. Provision of recipes, then, may be
an effective method of promoting better use of the commodities. Age
of the respondent and number of children in the family did not seem to
affect commodity use. Women who liked to cook in general made better
use of foods.
Commodity Use in FamilyIMeal Pattern
Commodities were utilized in meals at which all family members
ate. When directly asked how many in the house ate the commodities,
all the respondents stated either "everyone" or gave the exact number
of people living in the home. Bendick and coworkers (32) reported
similar results; 81 percent of WIC families studied used the food for
the entire family.
A significantly (p :3.05) greater number of adult males ate
dinner at home in the FPPNE than in the FPPE group. The FPPNE group
reported a greater number of males living in the home. This may
account for the difference. More children under six years of age ate
breakfast at home in the FPPNE than in the FPPE group (p 5_.O5).
Participation in school breakfast programs, which was not ascertained,
may account for the difference.
Proper use of commodities depends upon both the knowledge of
why the food is given and practical skills in food preparation. More
than 90 percent of the respondents reported that commodities were
58
good for health but specific nutrients in the commodities which were
good for health were rarely known. These findings are similar to
those of Emmons and Hayes (46) which documented that mothers had better
practical use of food than theoretical knowledge. In utilizing com-
modity foods, practical knowledge of food is more important than
technical nutrition knowledge. However, the main purpose of the pro-
gram must be understood in order for the food to be distributed to
appropriate individuals in the family who are "at risk". The re-
spondents in this study had adequate practical knowledge of commodity
use but did not understand the main purpose of the program, thus
participants used the food to feed the entire family.
SUMMARY AND IMPLICATIONS
Summary
Forty-eight participants of the Focus: HOPE Food Prescription
Program (FPP), a federally funded program providing 11 USDA commodities
to high risk pregnant and nursing women, infants and young children,
were interviewed in fall, 1976. Nutrition education is not a part of
the Focus: HOPE FPP. However, the Expanded Nutrition and Family Pro-
gram (ENFP) does provide nutrition education to many Focus: HOPE FPP
participants.
The purpose of the study was to determine: the gatekeeper's
understanding of the need for prescription commodity foods; the gate-
keeper's recognition of the importance of a nutritionally adequate diet
for pregnant and nursing women, infants and young children; the gate-
keeper's food preparation skills in the utilization of prescription
commodity foods and the use of prescription commodities in the entire
family's food behavior. Total sample data were analyzed. Two subsets
of the Focus: HOPE families, one group participating in ENFP (FPPE)
and the second not enrolled in ENFP (FPPNE), were compared.
The two groups, FPPE and FPPNE,did not differ significantly
in age, number of children per family and the clinic used for certi-
fication. More of the FPPE group (p 5_.Ol) participated in the Food
Stamp program than FPPNE.
59
60
The use of commodities by participants may be affected by
their perception of why they are receiving the supplemental food.
Only 15 percent of the respondents could provide an accurate reason
for the purpose of supplemental commodity foods; most felt the pro-
gram was intended as an income supplement. The respondents in this
sample reported feeding the commodities to the entire family. Par-
ticipants' lack of understanding of the program's intent may con-
tribute to the use of commodities by all family members.
Most respondents reported a concern about their diet before
and during pregnancy. Their interest focused on weight and the desire
to increase consumption of a specific food from the basic four food
groups. Respondents' interest in increasing the frequency of the
basic four foods groups in their diet may relate to the emphasis
placed on the basic four groups by both ENFP aides and the prenatal
clinics.
FPP participants' knowledge of nutrition did not vary signif-
icantly between FPPE and FPPNE. While many respondents did not know
specific nutrients, they had a general concept of the relationship of
food to health. Dried potatoes, farina and canned plums were un-
familiar commodities to respondents and also had the widest variety
of incorrect reasons given for why commodities are good for health.
In nutrition education an extra emphasis on nutrients should be made
on these unfamiliar commodities.
Certain commodities, mainly farina and dried eggs, were re-
ported as difficult to use by participants. However, respondents
still took their allotted amounts and found ways to feed the commodity
61
to their family. The use of the commodities by the two groups was
not significantly different, except for the greater use of two recipes
by the FPPE group (p 5_.01). These recipes for chocolate milk and
farina cornbread were available to the ENFP aides.
This study indicated that commodities were eaten by all family
members. Proper use of commodities depends upon the knowledge of why
the foods were given and the practical skills in food preparation of
participant. The purpose of the program must be understood so that
the food is distributed to appropriate "high risk" individuals.
62
Implications
Limitations of the Research and Needs for Future Research
1. Only trends can be described due to the small number of
participants interviewed.
Medical information about participants to determine if
the commodities are in fact improving the health of high
risk individuals was not available.
The interview schedule was pretested with the target
population but was not tested for reliability, validity
and repeatability.
More food programs for high risk groups are being developed.
The effectiveness of these programs must be determined.
In view of the limitations of this research there exists a
need in future research to:
1. develop, test and establish a reliable instrument to
determine the effectiveness of food supplementation pro-
grams.
study the impact of such programs on food behavior within
the family.
determine the need for nutrition education programs within
such food programs and if needed an effective method of
teaching participants.
LIST OF REFERENCES
10.
11.
REFERENCES
Freeman, O.L. (1964) U.S. Congress, Senate, Committee on
Agriculture 8 Forestry, Food Stamp Act of 1964. Hearing before
Committee on Agriculture and Forestry on H.R. 102222. 88th cong.
2nd sess., Washington, D.C.
United States Department HEW. Health Services and Mental Health
Administration. (1972) Ten-State Nutrition Survey, 1968-1970.
Dietary. pp. V-259-271. Center of Disease Control, Atlanta, GA.
Read, M.S. (1973) Malnutrition, learning and behavior. J. Am.
Dietet. A. 63. 379-385.
Miller, G. (1974) Task Force on nutrition. pp. 98, Department
of Management and Budget, State of Michigan. Lansing, MI.
Grenville, G.M. (1976) The Focus: HOPE Food Prescription Pro-
gram 1971-1976. A report to the Community Services Administra-
tion. Detroit, MI.
Sims, L.S. 8 Morris, P.M. (1974) An ecologic perspective
nutritional status of preschoolers. J. Am. Dietet. A. 64, 492-
499.
Lewin, K. (1943) Forces behind food habits and method of change.
In: The Problem of changing food habits, Bulletin 109, Nat.
Acad. of Sci., Washington, D.C. pp. 35-66.
Citizens Board of Inquiry into Hunger and Malnutrition in the
United States (1968) Hunger USA, Beacon Press, Boston, MA.
Pollack, H. (1968) Hunger USA - a critical review. Inst. for
Defense Analysis, Sci. and Technol. Div., Washington, D.C.
United States Department HEW. Health Resources Administration.
(1974) Preliminary Finding of the First Health and Nutrition
Survey, 1972. Dietary intake and biochemical findings. Nat.
Center for Health Stat., Washington, D.C.
Shneour, E.A. (1974) The malnourished mind. pp. 63, Doubleday,
New York, N.Y.
63
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
64
Kallen, D.J. (1970) Nutrition and the community. In: Nutrition
development and social behavior, pp. 35-47. U.S. Nat. Inst. of
Health, Washington, D.C.
Hillman, R.W. 8 Goodhart, R.S. (1973) Nutrition in pregnancy.
In: Modern nutrition in health and disease. pp. 647, Lea and
Febiger, Philadelphia, PA.
Livingston, S.K. (1971) What influences malnutrition. J. Nutr.
Ed. 3, 18-27.
Vaccaro, V.M. (1969) Social implications of hunger. J. A1.
Einstein Med. Center 17, 87-90.
Owen, G.M. & Karm, K.M. (1969) Nutritional status of preschool
children in Mississippi. J. Am. Dietet. A. 54, 490-494.
Advisory Commission of Nutrition (1977) Meeting nutritional
needs in Michigan. Office of Nutr., State of MI, Lansing, MI.
Rada, E.L. (1974) Medicating the Food Stamp Program. Am. J.
Pub. Health 64, 477-480.
Feaster, J.G. (1972) Impact of the Expanded Food and Nutrition
Program on Low-Income Families an Indepth Analysis. Agr. Econ.
Report 220. Econ. Res. Serv., Washington, D.C.
U.S., Congress, Senate, Committee on Government Operations
(1975) Food Stamp efficiency. Hearing before the subcommittee
on federal spending practices, efficiency and open government.
94th Cong. lst. sess., Washington, D.C.
Briggs, H. (1971) Food for poor program. In: Detroit Free
Press, Aug. 31, pp. 16A, Detroit, MI.
Havel, J. (1974) A Mattergf justice a report on hunger and mal-
nutrition, PP. 70, State of MI, Lansing, MI.
Leidenfrost, N.B. (1975) EFNEP - ACcomplishments and future needs.
Econ. Res. Serv., Washington, D.C.
Frye, R. (1971) The Expanded Food and Nutrition Program. Family
Econ. Rev. March. PP. 30-33.
Spindler, E.B., Olsen, B.F. & Oliver, M. (1967) Program aides
for work with low-income families. J. Am. Dietet. A. 50, 478-486.
Wang, V.L. & Ephross, P.H. (1971) ENEP evaluated. J. Nutr. Ed.
2, 148-152.
Prichard, K. & Hall, M.R. (1971) Attitudes of aides and clients
in the Expanded Nutrition Program. J. Home Economics 63, 545-551.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
65
Verma , S. & Jones, J.H., Jr. (1973) Educational participation
and dietary changes of EFNEP homemakers in Louisiana. J. Home
Econ. Res. 2, 94-104.
Green, L.W., Wang, V.L. 8 Ephross, P.H. (1974) A 3-year
longitudinal study of the impact of nutrition aides on the know-
ledge, attitudes and practices of rural poor homemakers. Am. J.
Pub. Health 64, 722-724.
Bowering, J., Morrison, M.A., Lowenenberg, R.L. & Tirado, N.
(1976) Role of EFNEP aides in improving diets of pregnant women.
J. Nutr. Ed. 8, 111-117.
Caliendo, M.A., Sanjur, 0., Wright, J. & Cummings, G. (1976) Use
of path analysis as a statistical technique for the analysis of
qualitative nutrition data. Ecol. Food & Nutr. 5, 75-81.
Bendick, J., Campbell, T.H., Bawden, D.L. & Jones, M. (1976)
Toward efficiency and effectiveness in the WIC delivery system.
The Urban Inst., Washington, D.C.
Classen, L.A. (1976) Four views of WIC a unique environment for
nutrition education. J. Nutr. Ed. 8, 156-159.
Guthrie, H.A. (1963) Nutritional intake of infants. J. Am.
Dietet. A. 43, 120-124.
Dierks, E.C. & Morse, L.M. (1965) Food habits and nutrient in-
takes of preschool children. J. Am. Dietet. A. 47, 292-296.
Karp, R.J., Nuchpakdee, M., Fairoroth, J. & Groman, J.M. (1976)
Malnutrition among inner-city children. Am. J. Clin. Nutr.
29. 216-218.
Inano, M. 8 Pringle, D.J. (1975) Dietary survey of low-income,
rural families in Iowa and North Carolina: Family distribution
of dietary adequacy. J. Am. Dietet. A. 66, 361-365.
Hendel, G.M., Burk, M.C. & Lund, L.A. (1965). Socioeconomic
factors influence children's diets. J. Home Econ. 57, 205-208.
Fryer, B.A., Lamkin, G.H., Vivian, V.M. & Eppright, E.S. (1971)
Diets of preschool children in North Central Region: Calcium,
phosphorus and iron. J. Am. Dietet A. 59, 233-237.
Futrell, M.F., Kilgore, L.T. & Windham, F. (1971) Nutritional
status of Negro preschool children in Mississippi: Impact of
education and income. J. Am. Dietet. A. 59, 224-227.
Lund, L.A. & Burk, M.C. (1969) A multidisciplinary analysis of
childrens food consumption behavior. Ag. Exp. Sta., U. of Minn.,
Bull. 265. St. Paul, MN.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
66
Young, C.M., Waldner, B.G. & Berresford, K. (1956) What the
homemaker knows about nutrition: Level of nutrition knowledge.
J. Am. Dietet. A. 32, 218-222.
Eppri ht, E.S., Fox, H.M., Fryer, B.A., Lamkin, G.H. & Vivian,
V.M. 1970) The North Central Regional study of diets of pre-
school children: Nutrition knowledge and attitudes of mothers.
J. Home Econ. 62, 327-332.
Schwartz, N.E. (1975) Nutrition knowledge, attitudes and
practices of high school graduates. J. Am. Dietet. A. 66, 28-31.
Young, C.M., Berresford, K. B Waldner, B.G. (1956) What the
homemaker knows about nutrition, relation of knowledge to practice.
J. Am. Dietet. A. 32, 321-326.
Emmons, L. & Hayes, M. (1973) Nutrition knowledge of mothers and
children. J. Nutr. Ed. 5, 134-139.
Fox, H.M., Fryer, B.A., Lamkin, G.H., Vivian, V.M. & Eppright,
E.S. (1970) The North Central Regional study of diets of pre-
gchool children, family and environment. J. Home Econ. 62, 241-
45.
Cosper, B.A. & Wakefield, L.M. (1975) Personal, attitudinal and
motivational factors, food choices of women. J. Am. Dietet. A.
66, 152-155.
Sims, L. (1976) Demographic and attitudinal coorelates of nutri-
tion knowledge. J. Nutr. Ed. 8, 122-125.
Guthrie, H.A., Madden, J.P., Yoder, M.D. & Koontz, H.P. (1972)
Effects of USDA Commodity Distribution Program on nutritive in-
take. J. Am. Dietet. A. 61, 287-292.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (1973) Families in the Expanded
Food and Nutrition Education Program: Comparison of Food Stamps
and Food Distribution Program participants and nonparticipants.
Econ. Res. Serv. Rpt. 246. Washington, D.C.
Futrell, M.F., Kilgore, L.T. & Windham, F. (1975) Nutritional
status of black preschool children in Mississipi, influence of
income, mother's education and food programs. J. Am. Dietet. A.
66. 22-27.
Larkin, F.A. & Sandretto, A.M. (1970) Dietary patterns and the
use of commodity food in a Potawatimi Indian community. J. Home
Econ. 62, 384-388.
Neff, M.E. (1964) Helping low-income families use donated food.
J. Am. Dietet. A. 45, 358-361.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
67
Pontzer, M.E. & Dodds, M.L. (1963) Use of government-donated
food in a rural community. J. Am. Dietet. A. 42, 128-130.
Lukaczer, M. (1971) Lessons for the Federal effort against
hunger and malnutrition - from a case study. Am. J. Pub. Health
61, 259-276.
Parrish, J.B. (1971) Implications of changing food habits for
nutrition educators. J. Nutr. Ed. 2, 140-146.
Hertzler, A.A. & Owen, C. (1976) Sociologic study of food
habits - a review, diversity in diet and scalogram analysis. J.
Am. Dietet. A. 69, 377-381.
National Research Council (1943) The problem of changing food
habits. Bull. 108. Nat. Acad. of Sci. Nat. Res. Council.
Washington, D.C.
National Research Council (1945) Manual for the study of food
habits. Bull. 111. Nat. Acad. of Sci. Nat. Res. Council.
Washington, D.C.
Wellin, E. (1955) Cultural factors in nutrition. Nutr. Rev.
13, 129-131.
Zimmerman, R.R. B Munro, N. (1972) Changing Head Start mothers'
food attitudes and practices. J. Nutr. Ed. 4, 66-69.
Sanjur, D. 8 Scoma, A.D. (1971) Food habits of low-income
children in northern New York. J. Nutr. Ed. 2, 85-95.
U.S., Congress, Senate (1975) Committee on Nutrition and Human
Needs: Part 8: Administration failure of the Food Stamp Pro-
gram. Hearing before Select Committee on Nutrition and Human
Needs. 94th Cong., lst sess., Washington, D.C.
Hiemstra, S.J. (1972) Evaluation of USDA Food Programs. J.
Am. Dietet. A. 60, 193-196.
Feely, R.M. & Watt, B.K. (1970) Nutritive value of food dis-
tributed under USDA Food Assistance Programs. J. Am. Dietet.
A. 57, 528-547.
Agriculture Research Service (1975) Nutritive value of american
foods in common units. Agr. Handbk. 456. U.S. Dept. of Agr.
Washington, D.C.
APPENDIX A
INTERVIEW MATERIALS
Si as
68
Figure A-l
sunny 1]) so.
rmrmnommmmmzmnoom
(not to be used during interview)
1. lane of’Mothar
2. Address
3. Phone
A. Birthdatas of preschool children:
1.
2.
3.
It.
5.
5. Food Sta-pa: yes ____ no
6. Clinic
1. Data of original certification
8. Expiration date
9. Race
10. Col-oditias Amount allotted. Alount taken
evaporated ndlk (13 on.)
canned neat (1 lb. 13 on.)
corn syrup (1 pt.)
canned fruit Juice (1 qt. it on.)
dried .111: (II 15.)
farina (13 on.)
canned vegetables (1 lb.)
peanut butter (2 lb.)
(every other loath)
dried as; nix (6 cs.)
immune-unnagnaummn(1ih.)
canned plull (1 15. 13 on.)
§ at
69
Figure A-2
ruily ID lo.
roamnoram—mscmr
Parson being interviewed:
nothar
whether
sister
other
What is your age?
Arayonnsnallythsparsonvhopraparcsthafoodforthahonsahold?
__ its (so to question 5)
no
Ityondonotpraparathafoodvhoosnallydoas?
nothar
“bother
sister
other
IA
Aroyonnsnallythaparsuvhodocsthafoodshoppingforthahonsoholdi
:vsieotOINIflnunT)
nutrition
nonaofthaabovahotoqnastionlo)
How did you receive the training?
jmior high school
high school
specialised. class
IA
no! long did the training last?
years
nonths
sa-tar
3%!”
70
run: 19 lo.
10.
13.
p r O
15.
16.
11.
18.
Uhat are the ages of the children eating in the has?
1.
10.
Who usually eats breakfast in the hon? (record nuher)
adult males
adult females
children over 6
children mder 6
usually eats lunch in the ham (record amber)
adult nales
adult fenles
children over 6
children under 6
i
usually eats dinner in the hone? (record nunher)
adult nales
adult fenles
children over 6
children under 6IIII?
5 3 é a E a ? a 3 5 § 3 E
8:
ill
Giveneenideaofvhatyoueatvhenyouerenotpregnent.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Snacks
Shouldapregn-tsuaneatenoughfortvo?
yes
no
Should a vuan eat differently while pregnant?
yes (so to question 18)
no (so to question 19)
not should the diet change?
IA
3;!"
71
Fuily ID lo.
19 .
20.
21.
22.
23.
2h.
25.
26.
27.
28.
MINGOUPOPMGSIBMTBW: H
mmmmmmnm,mrwmmmmnmmmmnmn
Why should a van not eat differently?
IA
Did anyone give you advice on shat to eat vhile pregnant?
_1'“ l ‘
no (go to question 23)
Who gave you the advise and what vas the advise given?
IA
Did you ask for hny advise vhile pregnant?
yes
no
(that use the advise that you asked for?
Doyouknevvlwrocus:lepefoodsareonlygivnntoprepantandpostpartu
vuenandchildrenuptoGyeas-sofage?
yes (go to question 28)
no (go to question 25)
VhyisPocus: nopefoodonlyforthisgroup?
mt ,vouldyou assune the reason is?
Hhen you vere pregnant did you have any cravings for:
other
Ilhich foods are important—{Eris youg childi growth!
fruits
vegetables
neat
lilk
breads
other
Did your kids ever eat my
dirt
paint chips
cm
other
WAYS mun PAIIIJ HILL m m FOOD.
29. Did anyone help you learn how to use the emodities?
__m__no (note question 31)
72
PhilyIDlo.
30.. he use this_ person?
IA
31. When you first received the Mties did you have any trouble using then?
yes
no (go to question 33)
32. "hat were the specific foods and their probl-s?
neat
Juice
vegetsbles
dried silk
eveporated nilk
_consyruL
farina
peanut butter
dried egg nix
instnt potatoes
plm
IA
33. Are there any recipes on the label of the Focus: nope Mties?
yes
no (go to question 36)
35. Have you used any of those recipes?
yes
:2 (go to qustion 36)
35. Have there been any of the recipes vhich you have used nore than once?
Dried Milk
regular
butter
hot cocoa
vanilla cre- pudding
vegetable in crean sauce
chocolate
833 n1:
sore-bled
egg-cheese—neat pie
Instant potatoes
nashed
Farina
hot cereal
Corn Syrup
_ peanut butter sauce
naple syrup
Peanut Butter
cookies
Meat
barbecue beef
IA
339"
p .3
Us
73
Panily ID Io.
36. Iaveyouever received awrecipes on hovtopreparethe Iocus: lope food?
yes
no (go to question 38)
37. Where did you receive these recipes?
38. Iovhaveyoufoudtobethebestveytopreparethecannedneat?
39. How did you cue up with this recipe for canned neat?
ho. What other recipes have you used with canned neat?
51. Is this calmed neat good for preput or post part. vuen and young children?
yes
no (go to questim 53)
he. misthiscannedneatgoodforpregnant orpostpartuvuenandyoungchildren?
Probecardused
IA
33. Why does focus: nope give cannedfruit Juice to pregnant or . post part1- vase
and young children?
Probe card used
Ht. Ihet ways have you found to use the Juice?
Its. What recipes have you fodd to use in preparing canned vegotables?
1:6. Are cmnedvegetables goodforpregnant orpostpartuvaenandyomg
children?
yes
_ no (go to question £8)
1:7. Wmcannedvegetablesgoodforpregnentorpostpartuvonsnandyoung
children?
probe card used
IA
he. Ihatisthebestmthatyouhavefoundtoservethedriednilktoyour
yomgchildren?
1:9. What other recipes have you used vith the dried silk?
50. Is dried nilk good for pregnant or post part1. vonen?
yes
no (go to question 52)
51. this driednilkgoodforpregnantorpostpartunvonsn?
‘ Probecardused
IA
iii!"
74
Panily ID lo.
52. II 41'1“ I113 800‘ form children?
yes
no (go to question 55)
53. m is dried nilk good for young children?
probe card used
IA
Immmmmmaanimrmui'sooammonm
IORIOV. IAHGOIIGTOGIVIYWASIMTIWOIAIAHILYAIDABKIWMWIOIS
MMTIAIILY.
Pat has It children, a l nonth old infant and her mther stuing vith her in the
has. Two of the children are preschoolers and the other 2 are attending a near by
elementary school vhich provides a school lunch. Pat is receiving food fro-
Focus: Hope for herself, the baby and the 2 preschoolers.
Sh. 119s dinner tine and Pat ran out of enough neat to serve the entire fenily.
What advise vould you give her?
55. Pat has heard that you an lose vit-ins vhen storing fruit Juice. How vould
you advise Pat to store the' Juice?
56. Pat is breast feeding her baby and she vents to go beck to her old dress size.
Pat tellsyouofherplantogoonadiet. Whatadvisevouldyougiveher?
Ln'saomcxrommossimmmcusznorsroom.
57. i'ellneaboutthevmyouusuallypreparetheeggnix?
58. Is egg nix good for pregnant or post part-mean and young children?
yes
no (go to question 60)
59. W is egg nix good for pregnant or post pert:-m and young children?
Probe card used ‘
IA
60. Ion is farina helpful to the diet of a young child?
hobo card used
61. Whatvayshaveyoufoundtoser'vethefarina?
1916
75
Fully ID Io.
62.
63.
65.
Can peanut butter help young children to grow?
yes
no (go to question 68)
W does peanut butter help young children to grov?
Probe cardused
now have you found to serve the peanut butter?
norwmrummlmmmmhcmm m.nrlmsm
WWI“.
65. Pat can't decide if she should pickth farinafraPocus: Iopebecause
herpreschoolersvouldrathereatacerealthathasslotofeugaronit.
Ihatadvisevouldyougiveher?
Pat is concernedabout them she cooks her canned vegetables. Shenants
togetthenostnutritionfrathevegetables. lovvouldyousuggesttoher
tocookthevegetables?
add vater
tins of cooking
type of preparation
murbmlsaurrnmormmasmm:mmons.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
Ihstveyshaveyoufoudtoservetheinstantpotatoes?
Areinstantpotatoesgoodforpregn-torpostpu-tuvusnandyougchildren?
_m
no(gotoquestion70)
Vhyareinstantpotatoesgoodforprepantorpostpctuvonenandyoung
children?
Probecardused
IA
Ihatmshaveyoufoundtoservethecannedplus?
Are cannedplus good forpregnant orpoet pat-tum andyomgchildren?
yes
__ no (go to question 73)
Vivarecannedplusgoodforpregnanterpostpartuvusnandyoungchildren?
Probecerdused
76
Fully ID lo.
73.
Th.
75.
76.
TB.
339"
Iowdoordidyeunakc infant fornula?
Where did you get this recipe for infant fornula?
Invhatvays sreyouusingthe eveporatednilk?
who is the first person to be served food at the table?
m is this person served first?
Arethereawoftherocus: Iopefoodsthatthechildrenvillrefusetoeat? mm
canned neot
canned Juice
vegetables
dried nilk
__ use In
__ farina
__ peanut butter
__ potatoes
__ Plus
__ evaporated nilk
_vill eat everything
menyou'erepregnantorpostpartu,verethereuwoftherocus: Iopefoods
youvould not est? HIV?
canned neat
calmed Juice
Monmou-
Uhichofthelocus: Hopefoodsdeyouusuallyusevhennskingbreakfaet?
canned-eat peanutbutter
canned Juice potatoes
_vegetsbles plus
__driednilk evaporated-ilk
_eggn.ix __comsyrup
__farina
77
Fenily ID I0.
81. Which Focus: lope foods do you usmlly use vhen asking lunch?
canned neat peanut butter
__ canned Juice potntm
__ vegetables 131..
__ dried nilk evaporated nilk
en nixcorn syrup
fnrina
82. Which Focus: Hope foods do you usually use when nking dinner?
canned neat __ __ peanut butter
canned Juice potatoes
vegetables pluns
dried nilk evaporated nilk
._ 988 I1! __ con syrup
farina
83. Where did you learn vhat types of food to feed your fenily?
81!. IovnanyinthehouseeatthefoodfraFocus:Hope?
85. Ivould liketofindout aboutthe followingitensyouhave inyourhueand
their cmditim.
not yes, not in yes, vorks
Do m have: present 92. cond. vell
Refrigerator (1. door)
Refrigerator (2 door)
Freeser (separate unit)
Range (vith oven)
Hot plate or range v/o oven
can opener
electric fry pan
blender
electric liner
toaster oven
“O
Bovnanyof each ofthe following has doyouhave?
pots
_ff! Pm
neasuring cups or equivalent
neasuring spoons
m people get large quantities of cans fron Focus: lope, how do you store yours?
DoyoufeelFocus:Iopefoodshavehelpedyou?
yes
no (go to question 90)
Why do you feel Focus: Iope foods have helped
31%!"
78
Fanily ID Io.
\
90. If Focus: Hope had to select 1 food not to give each south, which food would
you like to see not given?
91. Why, vould you like to see this food not given?
92. If Focus: nope was to add 1 new food, what vould you like to get?
79
Figure A-3
SAMPLE DIALOGUE
Hello, my name is Eileen Kass. I am doing a survey with
Focus: HOPE Food Prescription program to learn more about the use of
commodity foods in the home. I need to speak with the person who does
most of the meal preparation for your household. This will require
about a half an hour of your time. We would very much appreciate
you answering a few questions for us. The information you provide will
aid us in developing programs and support for the continuation of
current programs for pregnant and post partum women and young children.
80
Figure A-4
Probe Card
@vcw Msgui
@WhmmC "
@lron (HOOK . .
gCalm m (Bones)©
@E-o‘tem (Wxie‘) -—-—-—- 1“
WW
81
Figure A-S
Consent Form
Focus: Hope Prescription Commodity Food Distribution Program
I, the undersigned,
willingly consent to participate in an interview related to
the use of prescription commodity foods distributed by Focus: Hope.
I do so understanding my response will contribute to the
project which has been explained to me. The project is being
conducted by Michigan State University in cooperation with
Focus: Hope.
I understand there is no obligation to stay in the
project and all my answers will be protected in the strictest
confidence. I also may request a summary of the study.
Address (if request summary)
Participant
Interviewer
Date
APPENDIX B
COMPOSITION OF FOCUS: HOPE COMMODITIES
Table
B-l
Nutritive
Value
of
Prescription
Commodities
Food
Fatty
Acids
Commodity
Water
Energy
Protein
Fat
Sat.
Oleic
Linoleic
Apple
Juice
Beef
natural
juices
Corn
solids
and
liquid
Egg
mix
scrambled
dehydrated
Farina,
enriched
quick
cooking,
dry
Beans,
snap,
green,
canned
solids
and
liquid
Grapefruit
Juice
unsweetened
Milk,
nonfat,
dry
instand,
fortified
Orange
Juice
unsweetened
Peanut
Butter
it...
100
46
100
29
100 l
100
12
100
14
100 1
100
46
100 4
100
46
100
gm.
02.
gm.
02.
gm.
1b.
gm.
lb.
02.
gm.
lb.
% 87
87
65.4
65.4
o 0
mm
mm OD [\h mm NN CO VG" [\N
0 MM NN mm 0501 Q'Q’ [\N r-r—
F-F' 0105 mm 0000
kcal
47
67l
198
1628
66
299
562
1912
361
1433
18
82
41
582
359
6512
48
686
582
5280
92L
o.— o'o r-ooN‘D
P
Pd‘ mm 050 O‘F‘ ON OLD LDr- wfi' mfi‘ LDQ‘
MN PMP
one cow .—<:- o°r\ mm o.— m.-
”ar-Nm
N
MNP
SON <‘N 050 Pm F-d' [\N N03 to.—
P
NNN om oo 0'.— ON ON mo»
fi’d’
d’
13
117
22
202
12
112
82
Table
B-l
(continued)
Commodity
Peas,
green,
immagure
canned
solids
and
liquids
Poultry
(fowl
oryoung
turkey)
boned,
canned
Potatoes,
mashed
dehydrated,
flakes
Canned
Plums
heavy
syrup
Corn
Syrup
31L.
100
gm.
1lb.
100
gm.
29
oz.
100
gm.
llb.
1cup
30
oz.
l6
oz.
Water
% 82.6
82.6
65 5.2
5.2
77.4
77.4
24
Food
Energy
£9.61
66
299
195
1603
364
1651
214
671
1900
Protein
an.
3.5
Fat
5) o°.-: Flo- C56; 600r—O'l
00¢ L00 ‘DN moo
Sat.
Fatty
Acids
Llfiolfic
UTeiC
am;
83
Table
B-1
(continued)
CHO
Tota1
FIBER:
sun;
.smc
.
11.9
0.
69.8
1
0O
O0
71.2
Calcium
.92;
6
86
14
115 4
18
506
1721
486
1929
34
154
114
1293
23455
10
143
61
554
20
91
Phos.
EEL.
128
188
1546
48
218
736
2504
546
2167
21
95
14
199
1005
18231
18
257
395
3583
66
299
£21 oat; mm.N r—MLO
r-Q'W GIN r—LD OLD CC OLD NCD PM
F
‘00 .—m <roo 000': NU) NV Q'N $005 Q'N O:— (\N
P P
Na 14
452*
3716
236*
1070
779#
2649
244
968
236%
1070
14
526
9542
14
543:
4926
233%
107
101
1441
351
2886
97
440
785
2669
81
321
95
431
162
2299
1725
31298
199
2844
652
5915
96
435
Magnesium
Eflc. 4
57
21
171
(19)
(86)
.67
228
24
95
(14)
(64)
(12)
(170)
142
2576
12
171
173
1570
20)
91)
(ITEM)
Apple
Juice
Beef,
natural
juice
Corn
Eggs
Farina
Beans
Grapefruit
Juice
Dry
Milk
Orange
Juice
Peanut
Butter
Peas
84
Table
B-1
(continued)
CHO
Total
FIBER
Calcium
Phos.
Fe
Na
KMagnesium
(ITEM)
010
187
O82
1583
13667++
2286
156
84.0
35
(173)
89
(1600)
100
Potatoes
13
446++
278
19
Chicken
07
17
381.0
159
(785)
7.7
404
(7258)
454
23
73
69
‘00“)
CO F-l\
AA
VV
55.8
-23
26
3367
Plums
174.6
-73
81
81048
492.8
-302
105
2.
447*
26
0Corn
Syrup
*Value
based
on
product
with
1%
salt
added.
+Estimated
average
based
on
addition
of
salt
in
amount
of
0.6%
of
the
finished
product.
#Value
based
on
product
with
maximum
level
of
1%
salt
as
stated
specification.
QValue
based
on
product
with
minimum
level
of
enriched
or
fortified
stated
in
the
specification.
1Estimated
average
based
on
addition
of
salt
in
the
amount
of
0.6%
of
the
finished
product.
AValue
based
on
productwith
1.4%
salt
added.
Specifications
state
that
salt
added
to
the
finished
product
shall
not
be
<1.2%
or
>1.6%.
Consequently,
sodium
may
range
from
465
to
620
mg.
per
100
gm.
++Va1ue
based
on
product
with
1%
salt
added.
Specification
state
that
salt
added
should
not
exceed
1.25%.
The
finished
product
may
contain
amaximum
of
543
mg.
sodium/100
gm.
85
86
Table B-2
Calorie and Iron Content of Commodities
Provided to Each Age Group
“6614—1160111! GROUPS Cdlories Iron
Mothers Kcal mg.
2 13 oz. cans milk 11,180 8
1 1 lb. 13 oz. can meat (chicken) 1,630 10.7
2 1 qt. 14 oz. cans juice (orange) 2,058 17.1
1 4 1b. dry milk 6,512 10.9
1 14 oz. Farina 1,433 157.5
2 6 oz. egg mix 3,824 32.6
7 1 1b. cans vegetables (peas) 2,093 53.9
1 2 1b. can peanut butter
(every other month) __§_,_2_§_g __1_8_:_1_
Tota1 33,983 311.6
Children (0-3 months)
30 13 oz. cans milk 16,770 15
3 1 pt. bottles corn syrup 5,715 80.7
1 1 qt. 14 oz. can juice (orange) 686 5.7
3 14 oz. Farina 4,299 472.5
Total 27,470 573.9
87
Table B-2 (continued)
WY GROUPS Calories Iron
Children (4e12 months) kcal mg.
30 13 oz. cans milk 16,770 12.0
3 1 pt. bottles corn syrup 5,715 80.7
2 1 qt. 14 oz. cans juice (orange) 1,372 11.4
2 2 oz. egg mixes 3,824 32,6
3 14 oz. Farina _4_,_2_99 412:5
Tota1 31,980 609.2
Children (13-36 months)
30 13 oz. cans milk 16,770 12.0
1 1 1b. 13 oz. meat (chicken) 1,603 10.7
3 1 qt. 14 oz. cans juice (orange) 2,058 17.1
1 4 1b. dry milk 6,512 10.9
3 14 oz. Farina 4,299 472.5
4 6 oz. egg mix 7,648 65.2
4 1 1b. cans vegetables (peas) 1,196 30.8
1 2 1b. can Peanut Butter
(every other month) _§,2§Q_ _l§;1_
Total 42,726 637.3
88
Table B-2 (continued)
COMMOOTFT7fififififiI’ Calories Iron
Children (37 months - 6 yearS) kcal mg.
10 13 oz. cans milk 5,590 4.0
1 1 1b. 13 oz. can meat (chicken) 1,603 10.7
3 1 qt. 14 oz. cans juice (orange) 2,058 17.1
1 4 1b. dry mi1k 6,512 10.9
3 14 oz. Farina 4,299 472.5
4 6 oz. egg mixes 7,648 65.2
4 1 1b. cans vegetables (peas) 1,196 30.8
1 2 1b. can peanut butter
(every other month) 2,640 _l§;l
Tota1 31,546 625.3
APPENDIX C
FOCUS: HOPE COMMODITIES
89
Table C-1
Number of Commodities Taken During October, 1976
Commodity Amount Amount Not Percent-
Allotted Taken Taken age not
Taken
%_
Evaporated Milk (13 02.) 387,130 385,643 1487 0.4
Chicken (1 1b. 13 02.) 22,091 5,003
41 0.2
Beef (1 1b. 13 oz.) 17,072
Corn Syrup (1 pt.) 13,296 13,126 320 2.0
Orange Juice (1 qt.
14 02.) 72,868 61,296
Grapefruit Juice 140 0.2
(1 qt. 14 02.) 11,437
Dry Milk (4 1b.) 22,091 21,376 615 3.0
Farina (14 02.) 68,969 67,136 1633 2.0
Peas (1 lb.) 104,264 99,865 899 0.9
Egg Mix* (5 oz.) 82,090 75,373 6332 3.0
Plums (1 1b. 14 02.) 22,091 21,979 112 0.5
Potatoes
Granules (1 1b.) 22,201 13,096 78
0.6
Flakes (1 1b.) 8,976 51
*
Ran out of egg mix for 5 days explains high number not taken.
90
Table C-2
Number of Participants Certified for the
FPP during October, 1976
GROUP AGETRANGF MW
Infants 0 - 6 months 2,269
Infants 6 - 12 months 2,163
Child 13 - 24 months 3,783
Child 2 - 5 years 13,008
Mothers ._§L§QQ
Total 26,523
APPENDIX D
MEAL PATTERN RECALL
91
Table D-l
Percent of Foods Reported Usually Eaten
by the Total Sample, Those on ENFP (FPPE)
and Those Only on the FPP (FPPNE)
Meal Total FPPE FPPNE
Z. 24; 72
Breakfast
Eggs 62 78 53
Bacon 48 72 33
Toast 56 44 63
Cereal 37 44 33
Milk 25 5 37
Sausage 23 33 17
Juice 21 17 23
Lunch
Sandwich 67 61 70
Soup 23 17 27
Milk 23 17 27
Dinner
Meat 58 67 53
Vegetable 54 55 53
Potato 29 28 30
Salad 23 23 23
Rice 21 11 27
Snack
Cookie 44 44 43
*
foods reported usually eaten by 20% or more of the participants are
listed above.
APPENDIX E
MAP OF DETROIT AND VICINITY
92
Figure E-l
Detroit and Vicinityken-bale
olden->4
Isl-ole»
E265
nz<
:Ouhwn
HOPE Oakman Boulevard WarehouseFocus:
HICHIGRN STATE UNIV. LIBRRRIES
31293106353158