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Excessive sodium consumption is a public health issue and congregate meal programs provide a unique opportunity to reduce sodium served to a large, at-risk population. A Sodium Reduction Initiative (SRI) was implemented in a congregate meal program that serves over 3,000 older adults. Nutrient analyses conducted at baseline and post-intervention were used to calculate average sodium reduction and the number of low sodium foods; targeted foods were categorized by strategy. Customer satisfaction surveys were collected at baseline and 3- and 6-months post-intervention. Kruskal Wallis and analysis of variance were used to compare sodium reduction differences. Chi-square analysis determined associations among strategies. The SRI impacted 55 foods, low sodium foods increased by 22%, and the average sodium per menu cycle was reduced by 21%. Replacement with a lower sodium food was the most frequently used strategy and had the largest sodium reduction. Sauces and main entrees were most frequently impacted, and thirteen ingredients accounted for 75% of all reduced-sodium foods. Over 50% of the 1,424 survey respondents consumed the reduced-sodium foods and food satisfaction remained stable from baseline to post-intervention. Congregate meals programs that target commonly used foods and key ingredients can significantly reduce sodium served to older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the feasibility, facilitators, barriers, and impact of adopting the Self-Management Resource Center Diabetes Self-Management Program (SMRC DSMP) on diabetes related outcomes. Methods: The SMRC DSMP was implemented in five churches in San Antonio, Texas. A single group pre-post-test design was used to evaluate program effect on improving T2D outcomes. The primary outcome was glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) and secondary outcomes included Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale, health related quality of life (HRQOL), and patterns of eating and physical activity. Program feasibility, facilitators, and barriers were assessed through documentation and in-person interviews with participants. Results: A total of 96 participants were in the program with 87 completed endpoint surveys (91%). HbA1c level was significantly reduced by 0.73%. HRQOL score increased by 2.6 days per month; stretching/strengthening activity increased by 36 minutes per week; and Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale significantly increased. The program was viewed as necessary for the community due to familiar environment with church acquaintances and ease of access to the program. Key barriers were a lack of facilitators' competency in the Spanish language, short program length, and no ongoing support group / reunions. Conclusion: The DSMP program was feasible and effective when implemented in faith community settings for Hispanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]