Foodmate by Secondbite: Creating food independence through an eight-week nutrition education intervention

FoodMate by SecondBite is an eight week nutrition program embedded within community case management services which strives to develop food independence amongst Australia's most vulnerable food insecure individuals. This case study investigated the impacts of the FoodMate program on food independence amongst program participants from a youth homelessness assistance service in western metropolitan Melbourne. Data collection incorporated a mixed methods approach including pre and post program questionnaires, focus groups and interviews. Data was collected from four current FoodMate participants, five FoodMate Host Agency staff members and six past FoodMate program participants. Data analysis revealed that the impact of FoodMate amongst staff and clients of this youth homelessness service can be described within four key themes: The nutrition education program acted as a platform for social engagement, reduced reliance on emergency food relief and developed food related knowledge and skills. However, changing food related behaviour takes time and ongoing support. Positive shifts were observed amongst current and past participants including increased consumption of key food groups such as fruits and vegetables, sustained reductions in reliance on emergency food relief and reduced consumption of takeaway foods. The results of this case study suggest that nutrition interventions such as FoodMate by SecondBite may lead to short term positive shifts in food related behaviours. Such programs also have the potential to develop sustainable food independence in the longer term when embedded within community case management services.