Nutrient analysis of meals served to the homeless at soup kitchens, shelters and rehabilitation programs
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One of the problems facing the homeless individual is finding adequate food in order to avoid hunger. Depending mainly on foods from charitable shelters, soup kitchens, rehabilitation programs, fast-food restaurants, handouts, and garbage bins, the homeless constantly face malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional content of typical meals fed to the homeless in soup kitchens, shelters, and rehabilitation programs (hereafter called feeding sites) in Dallas. Eight sites were selected to participate in the study. The preparation and serving of three meals was observed, measured and analyzed for nutritional content. These figures were then compared to one third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), 1989. The results of this study show that the feeding sites in Dallas provide meals which meet or closely parallel one third the RDAs.