Evidence of nutritional inadequacy of meals served to homeless populationsin rural northern California

The purpose of this survey was to assess the nutritional adequacy of meals served to rural homeless populations. Sample meals (n = 106) were collected and weighed for a period of one week at thirteen emergency facilities. Res ults indicate that the meals, on average, provide less than 33% of the RDA/ DRI for folate, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. The meals, on average, provid e 970 +/- 344 calories and are low in fiber (6.2 +/- 4.8 g) and high in fat (33.1 +/- 10.8% kcals). Cooks at all 13 sites were asked an open-ended que stion about the food guide pyramid and its use. Nine had never heard of it and four were familiar with it but were not using it to plan meals. The fin dings indicate that emergency facilities need to improve the nutrient densi ty of the meals served to the homeless. Facility staffs are an important ta rget group for nutrition education intervention.