1. T HE F OOD A CCESS P ROJECT By: Kathryn Allard, Stephania Fenelon, Marlyn Frias, Emilie Rider, & Carla Salvadore

2. B ACKGROUND ON SNAP “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program”—Previously known as the Food Stamp Program Established to fight hunger and malnutrition Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on income Less than 185% of the federal poverty level Benefits are used for food to be purchased and prepared at home Currently SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase prepared meals

3. T HE F OOD A CCESS P ROJECT Problem: Individuals that cannot store and prepare their meals at home cannot make use of their SNAP benefits. Homeless Those without kitchens Elderly Disabled Solution: Allow high risk populations to purchase prepared meals with their SNAP benefits.

4. P ROJECT M ISSION S TATEMENT “To decrease hunger and food insecurity for homeless individuals and others who do not have a way to prepare food in Rhode Island.” Short term goal: Access food for those without kitchens and cooking facilities Long term goal: Improve nutrition and the health of the homeless population

5. P ROPOSED P ILOT P ROGRAM Two strategies to increase food access to high risk populations: Strategy 1: Outreach Understanding health and nutrition problems Establish rapport between target population and nursing students Key informant interviews Focus group meetings Health fairs Strategy 2: Work with restaurants and markets to establish contracts for use of SNAP benefits

6. T HE N URSING S TUDENTS 5 URI senior nursing students Diverse backgrounds Caucasian Native American African American Hispanic Age range 22-26 years old All female

7. W ITH F UNDING FROM S OUTHERN RI AHEC… As a team we participated in focus groups, analyzed data, conducted a literature review, and organized health outreach events. Agencies we worked with: Warm Shelter Rhode Island Center Assisting those in Need (RICAN) Welcome House McKinney Shelter Lucy Hearth

8. F OCUS G ROUPS Common Themes: Transportation is a problem Primary source of food include soup kitchens and food pantries Nutrition is important Access to water is a concern Salt intake was not a concern SNAP benefits do not help homeless people because there is nowhere to prepare or store foods Being able to get prepared food specifically at subway with food stamps would benefit people who are homeless

9. H EALTH P ROMOTION Blood pressure screenings Risk assessment quizzes Hypertension risk Skin cancer risk Summer health tips Hand hygiene Blood glucose readings Body mass index screenings Dental hygiene Nutrition education Healthy eating on a budget Provided nutritious snacks SNAP outreach applications Health related giveaways Raffle

10. B LOOD P RESSURE S CREENINGS Assessment quiz to determine patient’s risk of developing hypertension Exercise, diet, alcohol intake, smoking, weight, age, medications etc. Prior history Screened blood pressure Education Pamphlet Explanation of their reading Lifestyle modifications Referral to primary care provider Answered questions

11. H EALTHY S UMMER T IPS Skin cancer risk assessment Sunscreen use Skin tone and color History of sunburns Family/prior history of skin cancer Skin self assessment education Warning signs of skin cancer Asymmetrical, irregular borders, color, diameter, elevation, family history Sun safety Prevention of vector-borne diseases

12. H AND H YGIENE Described the importance of adequate hand washing The pathogens commonly found on hands When hand washing is necessary Adequate hand washing technique Alternate washing techniques Alcohol gel Hand sanitizers Gave out hand sanitizers for participation

13. B ODY M ASS I NDEX M EASUREMENTS Calculated BMI off of height and weight using a chart from clinical guidelines Advised clients that BMI is a good measurement for overweight and obesity but has limitations Abnormal BMI Informed them of normal values Obtained patient history Strategies to change lifestyle

14. N UTRITION E DUCATION Nutrition pamphlet Food pyramid guidelines Health benefits Tips to healthy snacking Healthy eating on a budget Advising clients on how to purchase nutritious foods in discount supermarkets and farmer markets Gave out fruit for healthy snacks

15. E MPOWERING THE H OMELESS P OPULATION IN RI Education, education, education!!! Helps enhance their quality of life and autonomy Established rapport with vulnerable populations Understanding nutritional opinions and practices of the population Important for healthcare professionals to assess the needs of homeless “The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others” -Ghandi

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