A Mixed-methods Study of Nutrition-focused Food Banking in the United States

Abstract

Using an embedded mixed-methods approach, this study assesses efforts to improve nutritional quality of inventory at food banks. All else equal, food banks with medium and high levels of nutrition-focused food banking strategy adoption had lower mean percentages of unhealthy inventory compared to those with none. Despite positive progress in the charitable food system as a whole, national key stakeholders identified several challenges, including cost and donor reliance, in continuing this work. Findings highlight the significant progress of food banks to adopt nutrition-focused strategies and distribute healthier foods and underscore the role these strategies may have in shaping inventory quality.