Acceptability of Pilot School-based Food Pantries Compared With Weekend Feeding BackPack Programs Among Food Pantry Clients in Rural Tennessee: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract

Objective: To explore the client acceptability and perceived impact of pilot school-based food pantries (SBFPs) and compare client preference between SBFPs and BackPack programs (locally termed Sack Pack) in 3 rural Tennessee elementary schools.

Methods: A mixed-method design, including cross-sectional surveys (n = 25) and semistructured interviews (n = 11), was used to assess and compare program acceptability.

Results: Client satisfaction was uniformly positive for both programs; however, a majority preferred the food quantity (84%), nutritional value (76%), variety (68%), quality (68%), and convenience (64%) of SBFPs. Clients reported feeding more household members with SBFPs (3.9 ± 0.9 vs 3.0 ± 1.0) compared with Sack Pack. When exploring SBFPs vs Sack Pack, 3 primary themes emerged from interviews and were supported by survey data: preferences for different program elements; food acceptability; and SBFP impact and expansion.

Conclusions and implications: Findings support continuing SBFPs in rural schools. Studies on expanding the use of trusted and accessible schools as potential healthful food distribution sites are warranted to support broader community food access in rural areas.

Keywords: access to healthy foods; food aid program; food security; rural communities; schools.