Evaluation of a collective kitchens program: using the Population Health Promotion Model

Can J Diet Pract Res. 2004 Summer;65(2):72-80. doi: 10.3148/65.2.2004.72.

Abstract

To evaluate the impact of the Calgary Health Region Collective Kitchen Program on various Population Health Promotion Model health determinants, data were collected through mail-in questionnaires that examined the members' (n=331) and coordinators' (n=58) perspectives of the program. Seventy-nine members (24%) and 26 coordinators (45%) were included in the study. Three incomplete questionnaires (from prenatal program members) were discarded. Sixty-one percent of members who reported income level and family size (n=61) had incomes below the low-income cut-off. Fifty-eight members (73%) reported improvements in their lives because of the program. Sixty-four members (81%) perceived they learned to feed their families healthier foods. The members reported their fruit and vegetable consumption before and since joining a collective kitchen, and the proportion of those consuming at least five fruit and vegetable servings a day rose from 29% to 47%. The most common reasons for joining this program concerned social interactions and support. Over 90% of the coordinators perceived that they were competent to coordinate a kitchen. The results indicate that the collective kitchens program addresses several health determinants, and may increase members' capacity to attain food security and to achieve improved nutritional health.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alberta
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Child
  • Consumer Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Female
  • Food Services / organization & administration*
  • Food Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Health Promotion / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Program Evaluation
  • Social Facilitation
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires