Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool (NEFPAT): Development and Evaluation

Objective To develop and evaluate a nutrition environment assessment tool to assess the consumer nutrition environment and use of recommended practices in food pantries. Methods The Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool (NEFPAT) was developed based on a literature review and guidance from professionals working with food pantries. The tool was pilot‐tested at 9 food pantries, an expert panel assessed content validity, and interrater reliability was evaluated by pairs in 3 pantries. After revisions, the NEFPAT was used in 27 pantries. Results Pilot tests indicated positive appraisal for the NEFPAT and recommendations were addressed. The NEFPAT's 6 objectives and the overall tool were rated as content valid by experts, with an average section rating of 3.85 ± 0.10. Intraclass correlation coefficients for interrater reliability were >0.90. Conclusions and Implications The NEFPAT is content valid with high interrater reliability. It provides baseline data that could be valuable for interventions within the nutrition environment of food pantries.

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