Publication Date

1996

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

King, Sondra L.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Human and Family Resources

LCSH

Shelters for the homeless; Homeless persons--Nutrition

Abstract

The problem of hunger is growing throughout the United States. People?s ability to meet all basic human needs is severely compromised and health and nutritional status may be affected by irregular nutritious meals. Emergency food networks (EFNs), such as Hope Haven (located in DeKalb, Illinois) rely heavily on contributions as they strive to reduce hunger in our society. To demonstrate to food providers and the public at-large the importance of providing food of high nutrient quality to recipients, this study calculated the nutrient content of meals to see if the meals were meeting one-third of the nutritional needs of the average recipient at Hope Haven. Evening meals recorded for the month of November 1995, were used to obtain dietary data. Information collected from meals was compiled and entered into a computerized program for the analysis of the nutrient content. Total energy intake, as well as, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B-6, vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc were calculated. The macronutrients and selected nutrients were compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) or Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The nutrient content was compared with the 1989 RDAs for 25- to 50-year-old men because this group represents the average recipient of Hope Haven meals. One-third (33%) of the 1989 RDA or Dietary Guideline was the standard used for comparing adequate nutrient intake, as only one meal per day was calculated for the month. X Nutritional analysis can be used to demonstrate to food providers and the public at-large the potential nutritional impact of the EFN program and the qualitative use of their donations. Nutrient intakes below one-third of the RDA or Dietary Guideline was uncommon. Results and discussion provide recommendations for improving the nutrient quality of Hope Haven evening meals. Dietitians and nutritionists can and should play significant leadership roles in assuring regular nutritious meals for healthy active lives for all people, including those who are homeless.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [38]-41)

Extent

v, 52 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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