Plant-Based Family Food Packages and Weight Change in Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Top Things to Know

The results showed that each additional food package received was associated with a decrease in BMI by 0.04 kg/m².

The program was successfully implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating its feasibility and acceptance among participants.

The findings are important to the HCXF initiative because it demonstrates that these programs can be integrated into existing food assistance programs, and the importance of incorporating access to healthy foods into healthcare to address and prevent diet-related health issues, such as childhood obesity.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study examined the impact of weekly plant-based family food packages on children’s BMI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted by the Massachusetts General Hospital Revere Food Pantry, it involved 35 children aged 2 to 18 years. This study suggests that providing healthy, plant-based food packages can help mitigate or reverse BMI increases in children from food-insecure households. The study highlights the potential of nutrition security interventions in preventing childhood obesity.