Nutrition for homeless populations: shelters and soup kitchens as opportunities for intervention. Issue 7 (5th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koh, Katherine A; Bharel, Monica; Henderson, David C
• Is Part Of: Public health nutrition. Volume 19:Issue 7(2016)
• Page Start: 1312
• Page End: 1314
• Publication Date: 2015-10-05
• Subjects: Homeless, -- Nutrition, -- Shelters, -- Soup kitchens; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition policy -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1017/S1368980015002682
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-9800

Abstract

Abstract: Nutrition is a daily challenge for the homeless population in America. Homeless individuals suffer from a high prevalence of diseases related to poor diet, yet there has been little public health effort to improve nutrition in this population. Shelters and soup kitchens may have an untapped potential to impact food access, choice and quality. We offer ideas for intervention and lessons learned from ten shelters and soup kitchens around Greater Boston, MA, USA. By advancing food quality, education and policies in shelters and soup kitchens, the homeless population can be given an opportunity to restore its nutrition and health.