Nutrition Education in Vulnerable Settings: Applying the DESIGN Model in a Rights-Based Food Programme in Barcelona
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14306/renhyd.30.2.2547Keywords:
Nutrition Education, Food Security, Health Behavior, Vulnerable Populations, Nutrition PolicyAbstract
Introduction: Nutrition education is a key tool to promote healthy and sustainable eating habits, especially in vulnerable contexts. This study describes the design, piloting, and formative evaluation of the ASSEGURA program, developed within the framework of the Alimenta project by the Barcelona City Council, with the aim of enhancing food autonomy among food aid users through a contextualized educational intervention.
Methods: The DESIGN model (Decide, Explore, Set goals, Identify objectives, Generate plans, Nail down evaluation) was applied to structure the educational process in six steps. Steps 1 and 2 were carried out using a mixed-methods approach, including interviews with the program management, focus groups with facilitators and participants, and the administration of validated questionnaires to assess food security, dietary diversity, food literacy, and nutrition knowledge. The intervention design (steps 3–4) was based on Social Cognitive Theory, and three sessions for participants and two workshops for facilitators were implemented (step 5). Evaluation (step 6) was conducted through observation and a final group discussion.
Results: Three behavioral goals were identified: increasing the intake of healthy protein sources, boosting fruit and vegetable consumption, and reducing ultra-processed food intake. Results revealed uneven levels of food literacy, motivation to change, and significant structural and capacity-related barriers. Facilitators showed limited knowledge of key aspects of healthy eating. The qualitative evaluation showed improvements in participants’ perceived autonomy and ability to plan meals, although economic and structural constraints persisted.
Conclusion: The DESIGN model proved useful for structuring educational interventions tailored to vulnerable settings. Findings underscore the importance of complementing nutrition education with policies that ensure access to healthy food, thus reinforcing the right to adequate nutrition.
Funding: This study was funded by the Barcelona City Council under the collaboration agreement for the development of the Alimenta program.
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