Addressing Hunger and Diabetes: Integrating Educational Videos Into Skills-Based Nutrition Programs at Seva Food Bank to Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Peel

With the dramatic rise in food insecurity, a well-known barrier to healthy diets, especially for those most disadvantaged, food banks have an opportunity to intervene beyond food provision by helping clients develop necessary knowledge and skills related to healthy eating in those who would benefit most. Since 2022, Seva Food Bank has run educational programs for seniors, newcomers, and youth, providing the food bank with experience delivering cooking and nutritional education programs to various demographics. Seva's programs and operations primarily serve clients who are seniors, newcomers and youth, many of whom struggle with type 2 diabetes and related chronic diseases. Many also face accessibility and equity barriers when it comes to nutrition education and healthy eating. Given the ability of Seva Food Bank to reach those most vulnerable to type 2 diabetes in the Peel region, there is an opportunity to improve client health. Dietary interventions are a key component of care for those at risk of developing or living with type 2 diabetes.

The proposed project aims assess potential benefits of integrating an educational video in the following Seva programs: Culinary Training for Youth, Culinary Training for Newcomers, Cooking Classes for Seniors.

• Culinary Training for Youth (6-week program): To evaluate the impact of the video among youth, we will assess changes in diet quality, nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors by administering a questionnaire at three time points: before the video is shown (baseline), after 2 weeks, and again 1-2 months post-intervention to assess sustained effects and maintenance.
• Culinary Training for Newcomers (10-week curriculum): To evaluate the impact of the video among newcomers, we will assess changes in diet quality, nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors by administering a questionnaire at three time points: before the video is shown (baseline), after 2 weeks, and again 1-2 months post-intervention to assess sustained effects and maintenance.
• Cooking Classes for Senior (one cooking workshop): To evaluate the impact of the video among seniors, we will assess changes in diet quality, nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors by administering a questionnaire at three time points: before the video is shown (baseline), after 2 weeks, and again 1-2 months post-intervention to assess sustained effects and maintenance.