Schmidt, Leigh Anne
(2024)
Evaluation Report for Christopher’s Kitchen.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
This evaluation report on Christopher's Kitchen (CK), a hospital food pantry, reports on findings from a mixed methods approach combining surveys and qualitative follow-up interviews conducted via phone with hospital staff and caregivers. Evaluating hospital food pantries is of paramount public health relevance as it assesses their effectiveness in addressing food insecurity, directly impacting the nutritional well-being of patients and their families. This evaluation contributes crucial insights to improve pantry options, aligning with broader public health efforts to promote equitable access to nutritional support within healthcare settings.
The mixed methods design allows for a nuanced exploration of the experiences and perceptions of both hospital staff and caregivers, providing a general view of the food pantry's role and effectiveness. Initial surveys included open-ended questions, allowing participants to provide insights and suggestions, and were distributed to hospital staff and caregivers to assess their awareness, utilization, and satisfaction with CK's services.
Qualitative follow-up interviews were also conducted via phone with a subset of willing participants to delve deeper into their perspectives and experiences. This component aims to capture the contextual factors that may not be fully addressed in the quantitative survey data. Participants were encouraged to elaborate on their responses, share specific instances, and provide suggestions for improvement.
Findings indicate that many respondents learned about CK through hospital staff, with nurses and patient care technicians playing a prominent role in disseminating information. Caregivers also shared their awareness of CK through word-of-mouth, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal connections in promoting the pantry's services. Notably, respondents appreciated the microwave-friendly food options available, though suggestions for improvements included diversifying the food and beverage offerings, introducing organic options, and expanding the range of choices for more substantial meals.
Findings from this evaluation of Christopher's Kitchen contribute to a broader understanding of CK's efforts, providing valuable information for potential enhancements and improvements to better meet the diverse needs of hospital staff and caregivers relying on the food pantry services.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Elias, Thistle | elias@pitt.edu | elias | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Martinson, Jeremy | jmartins@pitt.edu | jmartins | UNSPECIFIED |
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| Date: |
3 January 2024 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Submission Date: |
14 December 2023 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
45 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Hospital Food pantry evaluation |
| Date Deposited: |
03 Jan 2024 17:35 |
| Last Modified: |
03 Jan 2024 17:35 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/45715 |
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