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Keansburg Borough , NJ

Community Assessment

Samantha Teeple, Daphne Ribot, Yash Desai , and Gabrielle Cabacab


Life Span Community Nutrition 11:709:441
Professor B. Tangel and J. Worobey
October 9th, 2015

Section One: Daphne Ribot


1.
The name of the municipality is the Borough of Keansburg, which is located in
Monmouth County. Keansburg is located east along the waterline of the Raritan Bay; nestled
between Hazlet and North Middletown. The town has a total area of 16.79 square miles; of the
total area only 1.07 square miles represents the total land area. The history of Keansburg New
Jersey dates back long before it was officially established in 1917 as one of Monmouth Countys

boroughs. During the early 1900s, the towns location, waterway access, and wildlife attracted
many prospective real estate investors. One investor by the name William A. Gelhaus,
established The Keansburg Steamboat Company in 1910 connecting New York and Keansburg.
Although this caused an influx of newcomers, the establishment of the Amusement Park is
accredited to drawing in thousands of vacationers from both North Jersey and New York alike.
The Amusement Park to this day remains the forefront of Keansburg establishment.

2.
The municipal leaders in Keansburg include Mayor Thomas Foley, Deputy Mayor
George Hoff, and Councilmen: Arthur Boden, James Concuzza Sr., and Anthony DePompa. In a
phone call interview with Deputy Clerk, Jo-Ann OBrien, she informed me that the municipal
leaders are supportive of nutrition and health. She could not think of a specific nutrition program,
but stated that the government leaders approved the budget for both public and private sports
programs, as well as Project PAUL. In regards to health and wellness, she stated that the town
had Project PAUL and St.Marks; both which participated in donating food to the needy. She did
not have too much information on topic of nutrition, and directed me to call the Monmouth
County Health Department or the Monmouth County Regional Health Commission. I called the
Monmouth County Health Department, unfortunately the nurse was not available and I instead
talked to one of her assistants. She had informed me that the Health Department does not have
any specific information regarding Keansburg, and that they mainly focused on providing
immunization shots; not so much specifically nutrition related information. I also contacted P.T.A
president Debbie Ott, and Joseph R. Bulgar Middle School nurse, Patricia Vaccarelli, but did not
receive a response from either. However, the school website provides information on
Keansburgs Community School Programs, which includes fitness activities like Family
Bootcamp, and food programs such as Family Cooking with the Bradleys. I also called

Project PAUL and spoke to Nancy Herron, to see if they offered any nutrition related programs
outside their food pantry and furniture donations. She informed me that they offer whatever they
can from their pantry and they receive some funding from the municipality, but not much.
Searching for information regarding nutrition programs proved to be very difficult. Those
I made contact with in the town were hesitant in responding to my questions, which made it
difficult to find substantial information on nutritional health of the town. The lack of a nutrition
advocate within a town can be detrimental to a community, especially one like Keansburg that
has limited access to quality food. Nutrition advocates are the voice that provide and promote
nutritional health and wellness. A lack of concern for nutritional well being within a town can
lead to an increase obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease, and other ailments associated with
poor nutrition. Motivation and direct involvement leads to a quicker behavioral change.

3.
The following provides a demographic profile of Keansburg based upon the 2010 U.S.
Census data collections.
A. Population Statistics:
The total population of Keansburg consists of 10,105 persons.

Education:
The educational level statistics are based upon the population of 6,551
individuals who are 25 years and older.

Economic Status:
The mean income of family households is $61,643 and $28,921 for non-family households. Of
the 10,105 residents, 16.1% fall below the poverty level. A total of 4,676 persons are employed,
in contrast to the 585 who are unemployed.
The following economic status statistics are based upon the population of 7,856
individuals who are 16 years and older.

Family Structure: Keansburg has a total of 4,057 households, with the average family size being
about 3.14. The average household size is around 2.50.

B. Housing:
There are a total of 4,319 housing units within Keansburg. Of the total, 3,805 are occupied
housing units. The remaining 513 represent vacant housing, which is broken up into several
categories:
1. Rentals (185)
4. Seasonal, Recreational, or Occasional Use (56)
2. Vacant (185)
5. Sold, not occupied (12)
3. For Sale Only (71)
6. Rented, not occupied (4)

Common Names

Units in Structure

Amount of Units

Single-Family Homes

1-unit, detached

2,699

Townhouses

1-unit, attached

224

Apartment Complexes

2 + units

1,396

Housing Developments

2 + units

7 developments

Seniors Buildings

Varies

5 senior housings
Residents Residing

Laurel Bay Health and


Rehabilitation Center

105 people

Bayside Manor Assisted


Living and Special Care

148 people

Fallon Manor
Granville Towers
McGrath Towers
Table 1: 2010 U.S. Census data collected on various housing units, ranging from 1-unit structures
to 2+ unit structures. Includes detached single family homes and attached townhouse/apartment
complexes. Statistics found on the number of residing residents within the Senior housing
facilities vary as it was per bed not per head.

Businesses in the Municipality:


Name of Business

Business Type

Category

Bev & Wallys

Arcade

Seasonal Attractions

The Game Room

Arcade

Seasonal Attractions

Keansburg Amusement Park

Seasonal Amusement

Seasonal Attractions

Runaway Rapids

Seasonal Amusement

Seasonal Attractions

Psychic Readings

Seasonal Amusement

Seasonal Attractions

Camerons Florist

Florist

Florist

David Foley Esq.

Attorney

Professional Services

Dr. Anderson Tsai, M.D.

Physician

Professional Services

Jackson Hewlett

Tax Service

Professional Services

Keansburg Family Dental

Dentist

Professional Services

Kim Sautner

Counseling

Professional Services

Legal Service Center, LLC

Attorney

Professional Services

Main Street Medical Group

Physician

Professional Services

Drug Smart Pharmacy

Pharmacy

Health and Fitness

Keansburg Drugs

Pharmacy

Health and Fitness

Ultimate Performance & Fitness

Gym

Health and Fitness

Smit Teez

Embroidery

Stores

Family Dollar

Department Store

Stores

FEMINIQUE

Hair Salon

Beauty

Keansburg House of Fades

Barber

Beauty

Masters Barber Shop

Barber

Beauty

V Nails

Nail Salon

Beauty

G & A Auto Services

Automotive Services

Local Services

Keansburg Post Office

US Postal Service

Local Services

Papa Lous Laundromat

Laundry

Local Services

Splish Splash

Laundry

Local Services

Valley National Bank

Banking Services

Local Services

Wells Fargo

Banking Services

Local Services

Williams Auto Repair

Automotive Services

Local Services

Jacqueline Ryans Funeral Home

Funeral Home

Local Services

EarthSafe Printing

Printing Press

Other

10

KILLIN TIME

Recording Studio

Other

Smokers Haven

Cigar Shop

Other

NORAS CERAMICS

Pottery Arts

Other

Table 2: The following table categorizes the types of businesses found within the municipality.
Convenience stores, restaurants, and other food sources were excluded from this list for the sake of
further discussion and analysis later on. Based upon the U.S. Census the mean travel time to work is 34.0
minutes, suggesting that most residents travel outside of Keansburg for work.
4.
The overall nutritional health of Keansburg is a concern for multiple reasons. Based upon the
minimal information collected on nutrition programs and presence of nutrition advocates within the town
I feel nutrition is not a main concern. I also believe it is not a major concern due to the recent destruction
of Hurricane Sandy. The municipality has been focusing on implementing Keansburg Master Plan,
which includes restoring properties, expanding the community, and maintaining clean water sources.
Based upon the demographic statistics of the town, I feel the population of most concern are single
parents. Specifically, the 897 single-mother households that significantly outnumber their male
counterpart (161 households). Among this group of single-mother households 33.1% fell below the
poverty level within the past 12 months. These statistics are a concern when looking at the overall
availability of nutritious food and resources available. Poor nutritional health awareness within the
household can have an effect on the children living in the households as well.
Analysis:
Health and wellness is a concern, but there does not seem to be an
advocate within the town. Fitness and Food programs are offered to the community
school/ kids and their families.
income: non-family households mean income is 28,921

45.1% graduate highschool with a highschool degree, 18.5% some


college/no degree, collective 18.4% some kind of college degree, the other 18%
less than highschool education
2,610 families 1,552 married-couple family, 161 male household
(no wife present) family, 897 female headed household (no husband present),
1,447 (non-family households
12.What is the overall health status of the community? Discuss the nutritional status of residents based
upon your findings. Discuss the community as a whole, citing findings of every group member, i.e.,
demographics, economics, education, mobidity, mortality, access to health care, and access to healthy
food and nutrition education.

11

Student 2: Gabrielle Cabacab


5.
The death rate of Keansburg Borough is totaled to be 139 people in the year 2005, 61
males and 78 females. While there is no specific data for Keansburg on the causes of morbidity
and mortality rates, according to the 2011 Monmouth County Secondary Data Profile, the top
three leading causes of death are cardiovascular disease with 46 deaths in 2005, cancer with 26
deaths in 2005, and cerebrovascular disease with 6 deaths in 2005. The infant mortality rate in
Monmouth county in 2006 was found to be 4.7 deaths per 1,000 live births. According to the
secondary data profile, infant mortality rates were seen as the highest in Monmouth county
amongst the Black community with a number of 10 deaths per 1,000 live births from 2004 to
2006. The leading cause of infant deaths in Monmouth county is surveyed to be birth defects,
with 75.5 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2004 and 2006.
According to the 2009 SMART BRFSS, 33.9% of Monmouth County adults have
professed to having high blood pressure whereas 66.1% said that they did not. In correlation to
this statistic, 38.9% of adults were surveyed to be overweight and 23.8% of adults were surveyed
to be obese. In the case of cancer, Monmouth county shows that between 2002 and 2006, 50.5%
of the female population and 49.5% of the male population have been affected, showing a
roughly 50-50 male to female ratio.
6.
Type of Facility
Acute Care Facilities
(None within borough)

Name

Description of Services

a. CentraState Medical
Center Freehold, NJ
(~22.2 mi)
b. Bayshore Community
Hospital Holmdel, NJ
(~8.5 mi)
c. Monmouth Medical
Center Long Branch, NJ
(~16.3 mi)
d. Jersey Shore University
Medical Center Neptune,
NJ (21.6 mi)

a. 282 beds, non-for-profit


specialty
b. 225 beds, general medical
and surgical
c. 527 beds, general medical
and surgical
d. 646 beds, general medical
and surgical
e. 476 beds, general medical
and surgical

12

e. Riverview Medical
Center Red Bank, NJ
(~8.5 mi)
Ambulatory Care
Facilities

a. Keansburg Community
Health Center

a. Primary Care services.

Chronic Care Facilities

a. Laurel Bay Health &


Rehabilitation Center

a. 105 people; Private


services

Rehabilitation Centers

a. Laurel Bay Health &


Rehabilitation Center

a. 105 beds, Private services

Assisted Living Facilities

a. Bayside Manor

a. 148 beds; Private services

Physicians Offices

a. Anderson F Tsai, MD

a. Internal Medicine

Nursing Services
(None within borough)

a. Visiting Nurse
Association of Central
New Jersey, Inc. Asbury
Park, NJ

a. Non-profit
comprehensive clinical
home and community care

Keansburg Borough is under the Monmouth County Health Department which is located
in Feehold, NJ, approximately 22.2 miles away. The Monmouth Countay Health Department
offers multiple health programs, some including:
Eye Screening Clinic: Free eye screening clinic for ages 3 and up partnered with the
New Jersey Commission for The Blind and Visually Impaired on the second Monday of each
month from 2 6 pm at the health department.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program: Provides medical case and
management to children with elevated lead levels. Free lead testing is also provided for children
without health insurance in the Social Services Building in Freehold on Mondays from 9am 12
noon and 1:30 3:30 pm.
Healthy Traveler Program: A program tailored to educating travelers as well as offering
necessary vaccinations. These are done by appointment.
Hypertension Screening Program: Offers blood pressure tests, risk factor counseling
and education on diet, smoking cessation, exercise, diabetes, and overall health offered by the
health department.
Immunization Services: Free childhood immunizations for those who have no insurance
and for adults. These are performed on Mondays from 9am to 12 noon and 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
via appointment in the Social Services Building. Adults can receive influence, tetanus, Tdap,
Hepatitis A and B, and meningitis immunizations through appointment as well.
Physicals: Free physicals conducted and treatment for minor illnesses. These are done on
Thursday mornings by appointment only in the Social Services Building in Freehold.

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Sexually Transmitted Disease Infections: Services include physical examination and


diagnostic services by a physician or physicians assistant and required treatment.
Comprehensive STD education and risk factor for counseling is also provided as well as partner
notification. These are held on Tuesdays from 4pm to 5:45pm in Neptune, NJ.
Womens Health Program: Cancer screenings including pap tests, breast examinations,
blood pressure checks, and self-breast check instructions. These are done for uninsured women
of Monmouth County on Thursdays.
According to the programs held by the Monmouth County Health Department, the target
populations include children, women, pregnant women, and families who are uninsured.
Keansburg Borough offers a variety of places to access physical activity. These include:
Keansburg Amusement Park and Runaway Rapids Waterpark: Opened seasonally,
this is a private and family owned recreation destination with thrill rides to child-friendly.
Beaches: Swimming permitted from daybreak until 7pm or dusk every day.
Collins Field: Offers a tee ball field, borough tennis courts, and an ice skating rink in the
winter
Donohue Playground: Includes swings, slides, and other classic play areas for children
Forest Park: Playground with basketball facilities
Friendship Park: No specific attractions on the park premises
Henry Hudson Trail: A bike and walking pathway that is a paved 24-mile long paved
trail. This runs through different towns in Monmouth County including Aberdeen, Keyport,
Middletown, Atlantic Highlands, and Sandy Hook.
St. Johns Playing Fields: A sporting field for baseball and softball
James Sidoti Skatepark: A community skate park facility open to the Keansburg youth.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau Selected Characteristics, 74.2% of the population
of Monmouth County commute to work alone via car, truck or van. 9.6% carpooled, 8.2% use
public transportation, and less than 5% walked, used other means, or worked at home. The mean
travel time was estimated to be about 33.0 minutes. From this information, it is shown that
having a car and public transportation are of main importance in the Borough of Keansburg in
order to transport from one place to another. Especially when it is in relation to having access to
community health facilities and the Monmouth County Health Department, which is
approximately 22.2 miles away.
However, for families that do not own cars, Keansburg offers multiple forms of public
transportation including the NJ Transit bus line 817 that travels through Middletown, Port
Monmouth, Union Beach, Keyport, Cliffwood, Old Bridge Township, Morgan, South Amboy
and Perth Amboy. The bus fare for adults on this line ranges from $1.60 for 1 zone to $3.80 for 4
zones with a $0.75 transfer charge. Children and senior citizens are charged $0.75 for one zone
to $1.75 for 4 zones with a $0.35 transfer charge. NJ Transit also offers Keansburg residents in
either Hazlet and Middletown taking residents as far north to New York or as far south to Bay
Head, NJ via the North Jersey Coast Line. Residents would have to pay either a $15.00 or $15.25

14

one way trip, which may be seen as an expensive fare, but seeing how the train offers so many
stops it can be seen as worth it, especially with not having a limited amount of space to bring
groceries unlike a bus system.
Keansburg also offers local taxi services such as Around the Clock Taxi which serves all
of Monmouth County along with airport transportation. While fares are not openly told to the
public, this company does offer special offers such as $1 off for out of town calls between 5am to
9am, $10 off for airport round trips, and $5 off for airport one way trips. Keansburg also has a
local taxi service known as Tri-State Car Service, however their information is not readily
available.
7.
I do not believe that the health needs of Keansburg residents are being met. This is said
due to the fact that there are no means of healthcare within close vicinity of the community. The
closest hospitals to Keansburg are in either Holmdel, NJ and Red Bank, NJ, both being
approximately 8.5 miles away, which is about an 18 minute drive. This is also said due to the fact
that there is only one family physician in the town and one ambulatory care facility. Keansburg
Borough is also approximately 22.2 miles away from Freehold Township, which is where the
Monmouth County Health Department is located. In the health department, multiple health and
education programs and opportunities are given but are difficult to access for Keansburg
residents. Observing how the leading cause of death in Monmouth County is cardiovascular
disease, it is imperative that they have a hypertension screening program in order to teach
residents about healthy eating and exercise, however, since it is held at the Monmouth County
Health Department, it will be difficult for Keansburg residents to attend such an important
program.
With the distance of all of these facilities and learning opportunities, it would be rather
difficult transportation wise. First, those with a car at home would be mainly concerned about the
length of the drive to and from these facilities and the effect it will have on how much they pay
for gas, depending on their socioeconomic status. Most importantly, though, those who must rely
on public transportation would find it difficult to reach these locations as well. Travelling to
multiple cities in order to receive adequate health care and would put a large stress upon a
family. When deciding to travel for grocery shopping or going to a healthcare facility, they must
consider the price of the travel per person or how much taxi fare and prioritise which location
would be worth paying money to travel to the most. This would mean that most families would
not pay to travel to healthcare facilities, and would only do so if it was a dire emergency.
According to health statistics found, it is shown that adults and children are of high risk
due to having no specific healthcare resources or facilities to go to regularly. There is only one
physician in town, making it difficult to schedule due to multiple families who may wish to see
him, especially for those who rely on public transportation and would prefer staying within the
town than venturing out. The senior citizens in Keansburg, however, seem to be served quite well
since there is one chronic care facility and one assisted living community within the borough that
both offer nursing services. Since senior citizens have two locations that cater solely to the health

15

and well-being of their population, they are the only population group whose health needs are
being met, whereas infant, children, and adult health care is not being met.
References
Benthuysen, Robert F. Van. Monmouth County, New Jersey: Secondary Data Profile.
N.p.: Holleran, 2011. Web.
"The Borough of Keansburg | Keansburg, New Jersey." The Borough of Keansburg. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2015.
Department, Graphic. R0080.eps (n.d.): n. pag. NJ Transit. Web.
Department, Graphic. T0817-2.eps (n.d.): n. pag. NJ Transit. Web.
"Monmouth County." Health Clinical & Preventive. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2015.
"Search Licensed Facilities and Services Such as Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing
Homes, Hospitals: Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing." Search Licensed Facilities and
Services Such as Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes, Hospitals: Health Facilities
Evaluation and Licensing. NJ.gov, n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2015.
"Taxi Company | Special Offers | Keansburg, NJ." Taxi Company | Special Offers |
Keansburg, NJ. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2015.
"Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey." Visiting Nurse Association of Central
New Jersey. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2015.

Student 3: Samantha Teeple


8.
The town of Keansburg does not have a Women, Infants and Children office within the
borough itself. The closest one is less than 5 miles away from the center of the Keansburg. This
WIC is the Monmouth County office located at 888 Main Street Belford, New Jersey 07718. The
services that the WIC offices provide are information and assistance on the WIC program, help

16

applying for the program, supplemental food check and packages pick-up, health care referrals,
nutrition and breastfeeding education, and immunizations. These services are available for
qualifying low-income mothers, who are pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding and infants and
children up to five years of age who are seen by health professionals to be nutritionally at risk.
Applicants must apply in the state in which they live and be within the income level requirement,
which must be between 100 and 185 percent of the Federal poverty income guidelines. The other
way in which they meet the income level requirement is if they participate in certain programs
such as, SNAP benefits, Medicaid, and other programs. Once in the program the participants
receive checks, vouchers, or debit cards to purchase foods that are approved in the program to
supplement their diets and provide the nutrients needed in order for them to be healthy. Some
agencies deliver food packages instead to the households. WIC has a list of the foods that the
participants are allowed to purchase and they include infant cereal, iron-fortified adult cereal,
vitamin C-rich fruit or vegetable juice, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, dried and canned
beans/peas, and canned fish. Soy-based beverages, tofu, fruits and vegetables, baby foods,
whole-wheat bread, and other whole-grain options were recently added. WIC serves many
women, infants and children yearly. On the website it states that, During Fiscal Year (FY) 2014,
the number of women, infants, and children receiving WIC benefits each month reached
approximately 8.3 million [and of this number] approximately 4.32 million were children, 1.96
million were infants, and 1.97 million were women. WIC statistically treats 53 percent of all
infants born in the United States. Each WIC agency can only take on a certain number of cases
so therefore they have put in place priority levels. The levels include different levels of
nutritional risk, medical problems, nutritional risk due to dietary issues, and nutritional risk due
to homelessness.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP is program that provides
assistance for low-income families to purchase the groceries they need to put healthy meals on
the table for themselves and their families. The agency that the residents of Keansburg would use
is the Monmouth County Division of Social Services located at 3000 Kozloski Road Freehold,
NJ 07728. As well, Keansburg residents can go online and apply. To qualify for the SNAP
program the potential participants must meet certain criteria, including income and resources
tests. These tests also look into the household size to see how the resources and income compares
to the number of people living in the house. Once they are accepted into the program they are
given an EBT card, much like a debit card, where their funds are loaded to use at the grocery
store. Only certain approved grocery stores can be used by participants. The local business that
Keansburg residents can use their EBT card to purchase groceries is listed in the table below. As
you can see from this list there are not any really big food store chains that are local for the
residents of the borough to shop at. The number of clients that are served by the SNAP program
nationally is 46.5 million people. While this number seems large there are still 25 percent of the
people who are eligible who do not participate in the program.

17

A&S Italian Wholesale Meats Inc.

12 Church St. Keansburg, NJ 07734

Nicasias Deli

253 Main St. Keansburg, NJ 07734

7-Eleven

319 Main St. Keansburg, NJ 07734

Main Street and Grocery

240 Main St. Keansburg, NJ 07734

Keansburg Pharmacy

199 Main St. Keansburg, NJ 07734

Charlies Deli and Convenience

164 Port Monmouth Rd. Keansburg, NJ 07734

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education or NJ SNAP-Ed provides those with


limited resources and are SNAP eligible free nutrition and physical activity education. As well,
as the adults who are eligible because of their SNAP participation youth are educated as well in
schools where at least 50% of the youth receive free or reduced lunches. There are a limited
number of programs that do this in New Jersey so this program is extremely important for those
of low-income. Statistics from March 2013 show that New Jersey SNAP Program Participants
totaled 864,255 living in 428,430 households [and] that 1,188,219 people in New Jersey are atrisk for hunger. The education that is provided to these eligible participants is on nutrition
education that is behaviorally focused. Adults must go to at least 6 classes and meet in small
groups of 4-15 people. Childrens classes can be up to 30 students.
Head Start takes place in local agencies where teachers prepare children up to age 5, from
low-income families, for school. These children get educational services provided to them as
well as other services such as, nutrition and health There is no Head Start in Keansburg, but the
closest one is located in Red Bank at 44 Drs James Parker Blvd Red Bank, NJ 07701. The
agencies that receive grants to provide Head Start to the community follow a specific program.
In 2013, Head Start programs served 932,164 children and their families. The times I
contacted this Head Start there was no one who was available to discuss the menu that the
children eat with me.
There is one day care center in Keansburg called St. Anns Child Care Center located at
121 Main St. Keansburg, NJ 07734. There is also one preschool program that is run out of the
elementary school called the Keansburg Preschool Program which is located at 142 Port
Monmouth Rd Keansburg, NJ 07734.
The first school part of the Keansburg School District is Port Monmouth Road
Elementary School located at 142 Port Monmouth Rd Keansburg, NJ 07734 teaching grades
kindergarten through 2nd grade. This school had 546 students enrolled last year with 347 students
being eligible for free lunch and 42 being eligible for reduced-price lunch. The school that serves
grades 3rd through 4th grade is Joseph C. Caruso Elementary School located at 285 Carr Ave

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Keansburg, NJ 07734. This school had 209 students enrolled last year with 133 students being
eligible for free lunch and 20 being eligible for reduced-price lunch. The middle school in
Keansburg is Joseph R. Bolger Middle School located at 100 Palmer Pl Keansburg, NJ 07734
teaching 5th through 8th. This school had 410 students enrolled last year with 267 students being
eligible for free lunch and 47 being eligible for reduced-price lunch. The high school is
Keansburg High School located at 140 Port Monmouth Rd Keansburg, NJ 07734 teaching 9th
through 12th grade. The high school had 386 students enrolled last school year and 229 students
were eligible for free lunch and 52 students were eligible for reduced-price lunch. All of these
schools have breakfast and lunch served. The menus for all of the schools are the same and
completely meet the school lunch requirements.
EXAMPLE

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Breakfast

Yogurt
(230 cal.,
115 mg
Na),
Graham
Crackers
(120 cal.,
160 mg
Na), Fresh
or Canned
Fruit &
Milk (43
cal., 63
mg Na)

Cold
Cereal,
Graham
Crackers
(120 cal.,
160 mg
Na), Fresh
or Canned
Fruit &
Milk (43
cal., 63
mg Na)

Bagel w/
Cream
Cheese,
Yogurt (230
cal., 115 mg
Na), Fresh or
Canned Fruit
& Milk (43
cal., 63 mg
Na)

Otis
Spunkmeyer
Muffin (220
cal., 190 mg
Na), Graham
Crackers
(120 cal.,
160 mg Na),
Fresh or
Canned Fruit
& Milk (43
cal., 63 mg
Na)

Cold
Cereal,
Graham
Crackers
(120 cal.,
160 mg
Na),
Fresh or
Canned
Fruit &
Milk (43
cal., 63
mg Na)

Lunch

French
Toast
Sticks
(170 cal.)
w/Turkey
Sausage
(35 cal.)
Max Mex
Burger
(450 cal.)
Specialty
Pizza (160
cal., 760

Chicken
Cheese
Nachos
Nuggets
Ravioli
Supreme
w/Roll
w/Breadstick
w/Brown
(477 cal., (150 cal., 315
Rice
1143 mg
mg Na)
Pretzel
Na)
Hot Dog Bar
Grilled
Meatball (209 cal., 256
Cheese
Sub (196
mg Na)
Specialty
cal., 340
Specialty
Pizza (160
mg Na)
Pizza (160
cal., 760 mg
Specialty cal., 760 mg
Na)
Pizza (160
Na)
Black Beans
cal., 760
Tomato
Green Pea

Chicken
Corn Dog
Meatball
Sub (196
cal., 340
mg Na)
Specialty
Pizza
(160 cal.,
760 mg
Na)
Green
Beans

Served Daily:
Pizza
Cheese/Hamburgers
Chicken Patty
Assorted Salads
Deli Sandwiches

19

mg Na)
mg Na)
Cucumber
Sweet
Cucumber
Salad (60
Tater Tots
Slices
cal., 130 mg
(250 cal.) (300 cal.,
Na)
Green
125 mg
Confetti
Bean
Na)
Bean Salad
Salad (130
Cherry
Romaine
cal., 125
Tomatoes
Salad (173
mg Na.)
Romaine
cal., 216 mg
Romaine Salad (290
Na)
Salad (340
cal, 210 Seasonal &
cal., 210
mg Na)
Canned Fruit
mg Na)
Seasonal
Seasonal
& Canned
& Canned
Fruit
Fruit

Salad
Mixed Salad
Seasonal &
Canned Fruit

Celery
Sticks
Mixed
Salad
Seasonal
& Canned
Fruit

There is one private school in Keansburg named St Ann's RC Church School. It is located
at 285 Carr Ave, Keansburg, NJ 07734 and provides education to students from grades
kindergarten through 8th. This private school does not provide any information about their
breakfasts and lunches on their website and I was not able to get in contact with anyone from the
Church after leaving voicemails.
The Keansburg Afterschool Program (KAP) takes place at the Joseph Bolger Middle
School and serves children from 4th to 8th grade from 2:30 to 4:30 PM. The program is partnered
with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County, American Littoral Society, NJ Marine
Science Consortium, Monmouth University Placement/Student Employment Office, Schoolbased Youth Services, Monmouth County Park System, Prevention First, and Big Brothers/Big
Sisters of Monmouth County. The afterschool program has many activates for the children from
sports, to cooking, help with homework, and many other opportunities. The only food that is
available for the afterschool program is that is served after the cooking class.
In the borough of Keansburg the Bayshore Senior Day Center located at 100 Main Street
Keansburg, NJ 07734 provides meals for seniors through a program called congregate meals
provided by Meals on Wheels from Interfaith Neighbors. Interfaith Neighbors is comprised of 45
religious congregations and private donors to help the residents in Monmouth County. The
Bayshore Senior Day Center in Keansburg receives these meals delivered for the seniors that are
of need in the community. These meals are free and paid for by USDA grants and donations and
people who volunteer their time. This is the only site in Keansburg that receives this help. The

20

Bayshore Senior Day Center also provides many activities for the seniors to participate in. Only
a few include singing, crafts, trips, gardening, Tai Chi lessons, and many other options to keep
them healthy and social.
Project Paul, Inc. located at 211 Carr Avenue Keansburg, NJ 07734 is a non-profit
organization that provides a food pantry, thrift shop and financial assistance to the local
community. The food pantry accepts donations of non-perishable foods and then gives them out
to those in need in the community. The food pantry and financial services are determined after
those that are in need talk to, Sister Nancy Herron, who then decides if the person is in need and
makes them a client of Project Paul. Once a client the people can use the food pantry during the
hours it is open. Originally when it opened Project Paul served 25 families in the community and
has now expanded to serve more.
Saint Marks Church located at 247 Carr Avenue Keansburg NJ 07734 provides a hot
breakfast and lunch to the community daily. It also has a food pantry that serves 5,000 meals
monthly to about 1,200 individuals. As well, a nurse and social work are available regularly for
those that need the services they provide.
There are no farmers markets within the borough of Keansburg itself, but the closest one
is less than a mile from the center of Keansburg. This farmers market is called Sams Farm
Market and it is located at 303 NJ-36 Hazlet, NJ 07730. Residents access the farmers market
right off of the road it located on. The farmers market is open year round because it also doubles
as a convenience store and is opened from 9 AM to 9 PM. After researching I could not confirm
if this farmers market participates in the food assistance programs.
9.
I believe that the current food and nutrition needs of the residents are being met in some
ways, but not in others. While the seniors and low income residents can make use of the senior
center, Project Paul, and the church's food pantry, all the other residents in the community have
very limited access to groceries. The nearest grocery store is a few miles out of town and the one
farmers market is outside of the town as well. Within Keansburg, there are really only
convenience stores and restaurants. The children are provided meals that are provided through
Sodexo and also are given nutrition classes if they attend the after school program. Overall, there
are some points that are good about the nutrition needs of the community and others that are not
so great for the residents. I think the group that is least served in the community is the general
population with such limited access to grocery stores and farmers markets there is more of a
chance that they will eat out and not have the opportunity to get the food they need to live
healthy lifestyles. The federal school nutrient requirements are being met because Sodexo makes
sure that they are up to par with the requirements.
References

21

Bayshore Senior Health, Education. and Recreation Center. Bayshore Senior Health, Education,
and Recreation Center. http://www.bayshoreseniorctr.org. Published 2014. Accessed September
25, 2015.
Interfaith Neighbors. Nutrition Meals on Wheel.
http://www.interfaithneighbors.org/nutrition-meals-on-wheels. Accessed September 25, 2015.
Keansburg School District. Keansburg School District Website.
Project Paul. Project PAUL For the Express Purpose of Helping Those in Need.
http://www.projpaul.org. Accessed September 25, 2015.
Saint Marks Chruch. Community Center. http://stmarkskeansburg.org/#/community-center.
Accessed September 25, 2015.
Early Childhood Knowledge and Learning Center. Head Start.
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/hs/about. Published September 1, 2015. Accessed September
25, 2015.
NJ SNAP-Ed. Welcome to NJ SNAP-Ed. http://www.njsnap-ed.org/about/about. Accessed
September 25, 2015.
United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. Women, Infants and
Children. http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/about-wic. Published March 10, 2014. Accessed
September 25, 2015.
Department of Human Services Division of Family Development. NJ SNAP.
http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/programs/njsnap/. Published September 21, 2015.
Accessed September 25, 2015.
SNAP to Health. SNAP. http://www.snaptohealth.org/snap. Accessed September 25, 2015.
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. National Center for Education
Statistics.
http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?
Search=2&details=1&ID2=3407860&DistrictID=3407860. Published 2014. Accessed September
25, 2015.

22

Section Two - Samantha Teeple


12.

23

Student 4: Yash Desai


i. Availability of fresh produce, meat, dairy, ethnic foods
There were a total of 9 applicable food vendors, which consisted mainly of convenience stores
(6) or delis/meat shops (3), of which I assessed the 5 posted below in the Keansburg community:

#1 7- Eleven
319 Main St
Keansburg, NJ 07734
#2 Main Street Deli & Grocery,
240 Main St,
Keansburg, NJ 07734
#3 A&SItalian Wholesale Meats Inc.
12 Church St,
Keansburg, NJ 07734
#4 CBS Market
13 Shore Blvd
Keansburg, NJ 07734
#5 Charlie's Deli,
164 Port Monmouth Rd,
Keansburg, NJ 07734

24

#1 The first food vendor that I visited was 7-Eleven located on the main street of the
town, and was the most busiest food vendor I visited. Upon entering the convenience store, the
first thing that was presented before me was the collection of potato chips on one side and the
register on the other. After I progressed to the next aisle, which included an assortment of candy
bars and other types of candies. We then move to see a medium sized freezer stored with ice
cream. Towards the back of the store in the last few aisles were the assorted foods. In these
aisles you would find bread, sugar, cake mixes, soup cans, and more packaged quick eats items
(example EZ Mac). In the center of the 7 - Eleven there was a display that consisted of
prepackaged foods such as: sandwiches, fruit cups, and yogurts. This was probably for patrons
to grab a quick bite (possibly if they were on their lunch break). The back of the store consisted
of the freezers. Within these freezers you could find a variety of individual cans or bottles of soft
drinks, milk gallons, packaged cheese, whipped creams, ice creams tubs, Lunchables, packaged
meats, packaged cheeses and more of the sort. Towards the side of the store were the vast
collection of bottled 2-liter sodas and 12 to 24 packs of canned soft drinks. The 7 - Eleven did
provide a coffee station where patrons were able to create coffee to their liking as well as a
station where they had hot dogs constantly being kept warm. They also had a slurpee station
where patrons could take part in an icy, cold, highly sweetened beverage. Although, the 7 Eleven may provide some basic needs for the people of Keansburg, it is severely lacking a fresh
variety of fruits and vegetables. The only fruit available to be purchased, that was not
prepackaged, were the over ripened bananas. (Understanding that this is a convenience store,
which is made for people to obtain common items, I would like to hope people are not utilizing
this as one of their primary places to shop for the foods they consume).
#2 The next spot that I had visited was also on Main St., it was a small convenience store
called the Main Street Deli & Grocery, which was located a block or two away from the 7 Eleven. Upon entering, I was greeted by flies that were lying on top of over ripe bananas,
tomatoes and onions that were uncovered in baskets on a table. Those were the only fruits and
vegetables that were found within this shop. As I was browsing an employee, who was very
sketchy and suspicious, confronted me. He did not like the fact that I was in the store browsing
and then asked me what I was doing, after explaining myself and the project, he demanded a
receive a letter in order to browse. This alarmed me because there are many people who browse
a shop just to see if they are missing something. However, from what I was able to assess, I had
noticed that there were mainly minimal amounts of products that people could purchase such as
eggs, cheese, milk, bread and mainly canned food items. They had a vast array of potato chip,
soft drinks and more. Although, they did have a deli (which Im not sure the meats were
properly refrigerated) where patrons were able to take a sandwich on the road or pick up a fairly
extensive amounts of meats.

25

#3 The next stop was the A&S Italian Wholesale Meats Inc. Upon entering all you could
see was a plethora of meats. Even though it was a small shop, there were a vast variety of
sausages, there multiple cuts of pork, beef, and chicken. Although, since it is primarily a meat
shop (or a butcher) there were no choices of fruits or vegetables and very limited access to other
grocery needs. It did contain a variety of breads, cheese and some bags of chips. It was a clean
shop and the meats seemed to be taken care of safely (properly refrigerated and no cross
contamination).
#4 The CBS market was located on the complete opposite end of Keansburg, compared to
the rest of the other food vendors. It was the cleanest convenience store that I had seen in
Keansburg, but it was also the emptiest. Being on the opposite side of major other resources and
not having many options for food supplies could be a cause for the emptiness. However, it did
contain the most fruits and vegetables compared to the rest of the places I had visited. In the
back were the freezers. Within the freezers/refrigerators, contained only 3 types of milk (Whole,
2% and skim), some types of cheese (pre sliced), pre-cut deli meats, eggs, and drinks.
Additionally, the owners had decided to store their tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and onions within
the refrigerators. In my opinion, I would not have done that, as it would increase the rate of
spoilage within those foods. The only other fruits or vegetables available were bananas and
potatoes which they had stored in baskets. The store also provided other basic needs such as
sugar, salt containers, bread, coffee, canned goods, ready made or easy heat up foods and more.
The other amenity provided is a deli. Patrons have the ability to create sandwiches that they can
take with them (similar to subway).
#5 The final food vendor that I had visited was Charlies deli. Charlies deli was the
second busiest location compared to the rest. It was located at the border of Keansburg and the
next town over. When I entered it reminded me a little of A&S Italian Wholesale Meats Inc
because it contained a vast array of meats (stored safely, in my opinion). Patrons have the ability
to purchase the various meats such as sausage (not as many varieties compared to A&S
Wholesale), pork, beef products, and chicken, as well as have the ability to make sandwiches that
a Charlies staff will prepare along with salads and soups they offer. Charlies is also one of
those stores that do not provide many fruits available to be purchased raw (they have a menu that
contains fruits and vegetables incorporated in the options). They only have apples and bananas.
Unfortunately, they do not have any vegetables to be purchased raw. Throughout, the store there
are various bags of chips and candy bars along with many soft drink options.

ii. Types of ethnic foods supporting culture in the community


The cultural needs are definitely not supported within Keansburg. There aren't enough
basic foods within the community let alone ethnic foods. Upon interviewing a few of the
residents of the community (7-Eleven employee), it was noted that in order for locals to gain

26

access to ethnic foods such as Indian spices they would have to travel approximately half - hour.
The closest food vendor they explained was the Patel Food Mart in South Amboy. According to
Google Maps it should take 11.2 miles and 22 minutes via car (or 1 hour and 25 minutes via bus
transit) to arrive at this location. Other residents explained that they would travel to large chain
supermarkets in order to fulfill their needs, such as Spanish spice, Italian herbs, etc. Upon
further investigation, I was able to identify that in order to obtain these ethnic items the closest
market was Shoprite or Pathmark. Both of these locations are relatively close by being 4.3 miles
away with only a 10-minute car ride. However, for those who do not have access to a car may
find it a little challenging as the transit ride one way is approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes, not
to mention they will not be able to carry as many items due to the lack of space.
iii. Foodservice establishments in the municipality
After I assessed the communitys food markets/food vendors, I drove around making a
tally of the types of restaurants in the area, both seasonal and year around (Non- Seasonal).
Types of Restaurants / # of Establishments
Year Around (Non Seasonal)
Pizza/ Subs

Fast Food

Chinese

Spanish

Caribbean

Burgers/Hot
Dogs

Bagels

Baked Goods

Cafe

Sea Food

Sit ins

Takeout

11

27

From the tally chart, there seems to be a major preference of Pizza/Subs along with
Chinese food among the people of Keansburg, especially since they consists of the majority to
the dining options. Upon arriving at Keansburg it was made clear that this is a very small town
(residents call it a one mile town) and seemed as if it were deserted due to the lack of people seen
on the streets. As if the streets were not deserted enough, every restaurant that I visited was
completely empty. This may be due to the fact that people must be working outside of Keansburg
during the day and then come back at night . Not to mention a majority of the restaurants are
take out with more cost effective menus.
Types of Restaurants / # of Establishments
Seasonal
Deep Fried Snacks

Frozen Treats

Pizza

Spanish

Drinks (Sweetened, Non Alcholic) 2


Burgers/Hot Dogs/Kebabs/Fries

Other (Mixed Menus)

During the summer time Keansburg has an amusement park open to the community and
any of its visitors that wish to come by for a little fun. By the time I had tried to get an actual
assessment of the amusement park and its food choices it was closed. After researching the
amusement park site, I had found out that they were only open from Memorial Day to a few
weeks after Labor day. The table above is a tally chart of the all the take out/carts (street food or
similar to the cart vendors in New York City). From the chart it seems as though the most
prevalent items to be purchased are those that are deep fried, frozen treats (including ice creams,
sorbets, dip n dots, etc) and Burgers/Hot dogs/kebabs/fries. These are all similar to the vendors
you would find on a beach, this is probably do to the fact that the amusement park is located near
a beach/water front type of area.
iv. Analyzing restaurant menus for healthy options / potential menu revisions
I collected as many take-out menus as were available to me as well as online menus provided by
the restaurants, as many of the restaurants had chalkboard menus only. I surveyed a total of four
eating establishments:

28

v. Nutrition education programs


a. Cooperative Extension
The woman who is responsible for directing the health initiatives in Keansburg is
Rachel Tansey. Tansey is the Senior Family and Community Health Sciences Extension
Associate at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth county. Rachel Tansy works with
the local middle and high school at Keansburg and provides afterschool programs for the
students. At this time the after school programs provided by the cooperative extension
committee include nutrition educational programs that help teach students the benefits of
maintaining a healthy diet and provide them with the information to help prevent diseases.
Tansey continues to explain that they also provide students with the ability to take instructional
cooking classes, which teaches them the fundamentals of food safety as well as creating
nutritious meals for themselves. In addition, the program also provides students with the
opportunity to learn how to grow their own fruits and vegetables (basic farming techniques).
Rachel Tansey explained that the students are able to take the food that they garden. In the end
of the interview, Tansey explained the Cooperative Extension Program is currently trying to
create more programs that will help benefit the community.
b. Weight Reduction Programs
The nearest Weight Watchers is located at 1389 NJ - 35, Middletown, NJ 07748, which is
5.1 miles away from Keansburg. In order for the people of Keansburg to attend this program
they would need to travel 10 minutes by driving in a car or using public transit (which can take
up to 1 hour). However, this program does offer a weight loss and/or management counseling,
and diet planning meetings two to four times daily. The nearest Jenny Craig center is located at
1140 Broad St, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702, which is approximately. Jenny Craig utilizes real
dietitians to enforce their program with free diet consultations coordinated in their daily
meetings. However, in order for the individuals to arrive at the nearest Jenny Craig, it would
take them approximately 24 minutes to drive there or about 1 hour and 37 minutes with public
transit. Fortunately, there is a gym located just right outside (across the highway) of Keansburg
at 75 Highway 36, Keansburg NJ 07734. Ultimate Performance & Fitness is a 2 minute drive
and/or can be walking distance. The gym provides its members with trainers (which is an
additional cost) along with various exercise equipment. Although, many of the trainers do
possess various degrees in Kinesiology, athletic training, or exercise science, and may have the
ability to provide basic nutritional information, there are no nutrition professionals within the
facility that can provide these people with advance nutritional knowledge based on the
individuals health concerns.
c. Nutrition Counseling Services

29

Unfortunately, there are no nutrition educator or registered dietitians within the


Keansburg community. However, the closest nutrition professional that the people of Keansburg
have access to is Susan Patla, MS,RD. Patla's private practice office is located at 12 Daniel
Drive Matawan NJ 07747. For Keansburg locals to reach her they would have to travel 6.7 miles
with a 15-minute car ride or 51 minutes ride through the public transit (bus). However, Susan
Patla would make a great asset to the Keansburg community as she specializes in cancer
treatments, diabetes management, heart health and more, which is needed for the people of
Keansburg as their primary causes of death are Cardiovascular disease, cancer and stroke. Other
than Patla, there are 11 other nearby dietitians within a 10-mile radius of the municipality. Past
these 10 miles, there are approximately 8 dietitians in practice working for various health groups.
d. Other Sources of Nutrition Information
The only other source of nutrition information that is given to the community is at the
Bayshore Senior Health, Education and Recreation Center. However, the senior center does not
have a registered dietitian who can provide the senior community with nutritional education.
The nurses at the center provide nutritional lectures to the seniors living in the area. Even
though, there is no WIC center in Keansburg. Women and children have the ability to travel less
than 5 miles in Belford, NJ where the Monmouth County WIC center is located. For those lowincome households that do qualify for SNAP benefits, they are able to receive them by visiting
the Freehold location. Families can apply for SNAP benefits online, by mail, or by walk-ins.
Eligibility of the household is determined within 30 days. There are no waiting lists and
townspeople are efficiently assisted by the service.
vi. Taverns and Bars
There were four bars in the municipality: Marina Bar, Bar One, Apply Jack Bar, Tiki
Stadium. With an additional one being created in place of the old "supermarket." In addition
there were two liquor stores available for patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages in Keansburg.
The bar setting was quite similar to the restaurants I had visited previously (of those that gave
the sit down option) there were seemingly few people inside. Unfortunately, at the time I was
unable to enter the bars (as I was under the age to enter). I had asked my sister to visit 1 of the 4
bars to interview a few patrons and bar tenders. What was noted by the bar keep was that
generally during earlier hours there were a few regulars, mainly middle aged men, that had
visited the bars a few times a week (~2 to 4 times a week) and during the evenings there was a
mix in the crowd. This would mean that each "regular" middle-aged patron would be consuming
at least that many drinks in one week. This shows significance in the amount of alcohol being
potentially consumed by the older townspeople, specifically middle-aged men.
Student #4 Works Cited

30

"Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County Personnel." : Cooperativ...N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct.


2015.
"Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway Rapids." Keansburg Amusement Park Runaway
Rapids Waterpark. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.
Harrington, Robert J., Michael C. Ottenbacher, and K. W. Kendall. "Fine-Dining Restaurant
Selection: Direct and Moderating Effects of Customer Attributes." Journal of Foodservice
Business Research 14.3 (2011): 272-89. Web. 6 Oct. 2015.
"Mina Caf." Menu. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.
"Menu." Roma Pizza And Pasta. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.
"Anthony's Menu." Anthony's Menu. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.
"Baxter's Burgers & Fries." BAXTER'S Burgers & Fries. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.
"21st Century Community Learning Centers Program and Out-of-School Time Resources
Grantee Abstract." 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program and Out-ofSchool Time Resources Grantee Abstract. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.
Randomized Resident Interviews
Phone interview, Rachel Tansey, Senior Family & Community Health Sciences Extension
Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 9/23/15

Section Three
13. Two Health Assets
One health asset in the community that relates to the availability of nutrition information
is the cooperative extension program that takes place in Keansburg. This cooperative extension
focuses on nutritional education of children. This program teaches the children of Keansburg
through nutrition classes. For example, showing the children healthy eating through nutrition

31

classes. Another health asset in the community that related to healthy foods and nutrition is the
access to the food pantries from Project Paul Inc. and Saint Marks Church. As well, the seniors
in the community have access to food through Meal on Wheels from an organization called
Interfaith Neighbors. These organizations provide the low-income members in the community
better access to food. The health and nutrition programs in the community do not adequately
meet the needs of the residents because other then the two listed above there are no other assets
in the community that provide healthy foods and nutrition information. As well, the community
and the food pantries are still dealing with the aftermath of recovering from Hurricane Sandy.
These needs can be better met by extending the cooperative extension programs within the
community. In addition, the needs of this community can be better met if a SNAP Ed educational
program and a WIC center would be introduced. Since many people are unaware of the benefits
that good nutrition can bring to them (or know what are healthy options or food groups to add in
order to better their diets). Not to mention the WIC center can help provide assistance through
basic nutrition education and through financially supporting those 897 single mother households
of which 33.1% fell below poverty level. With more of these programs, the community can
better understand how to make good use of the limited resources that they have and become
better educated.

14.

Nutritional Risk

Upon further assessment of Keansburg, it was identified that the nutritional health of
residents 35 to 55 years of age are the most at risk. The reason for focus on this specific age
range is due to the already present nutrition programs for senior citizens and children. Senior
citizens within senior housing have access to Meals on Wheels, while the children receive
school lunches that meet dietary guidelines. Children also have access various sports, fitness
programs, and cooking/gardening programs through the cooperative extension program. The
individuals within the 35 to 55 range are the most at risk due to their limited access to quality
food and nutritional education. The leading cause of death was found to be cardiovascular
disease, which was then followed by cancer and stroke. This is most likely linked to the high
23% obesity rate within Monmouth county. Deborah Leachman Slawson and her colleagues
looked at The Role of Nutrition in Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention. They
use studies to support that RDNs and nutrition advocates who actively spread nutrition and
health awareness, perform research, and get politically involved in the nutritional well being of
the community significantly affect the health status of communities. Slawson found,
excessive adiposity, poor dietary patterns, and physical inactivity are risk factors that
contribute to incidence of several common cancers: colon, breast, uterine, esophageal,
and renal cancers. Obesity/overweight is implicated in 14% of cancer deaths in men and
20% of cancer deaths in women. (Slawson et al., 973).

32

The relationship found between poor diet and lack of exercise to various kinds of cancer are
significant in assessing the overall health of Keansburg residents whose primary causes of death
include heart disease and cancer. Many factors contribute to the weak awareness to nutrition and
health. For one, residents in Keansburg have no supermarkets, which limits their access to a fresh
and diverse supply of food. The town primarily consists of convenience stores and take out
restaurants, which are limited in healthy food options. The National Heart, Blood, and Lung
Institute partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of
Cardiology (ACC) to study diets and physical fitness levels among adults. The studies were done
to assess dietary patterns in order to create reliable guidelines that RDNs can use on patients who
are at risk to cardiovascular disease. Specifically, the relationship of cardiovascular disease to
macronutrient, potassium, and sodium intake was studied. In conclusion to the research done
they stated,
The nutrition recommendations set forth in the Lifestyle Guideline to modify CVD risk
emphasize consumption of a heart-healthy dietary pattern that includes vegetables, fruits,
whole grains, low-fat dairy, poultry, fish, legumes, nontropical vegetable (plant) oils, and
nuts; and limits sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, and red and processed meat. This
dietary pattern consists of nutrient-dense foods and has been established to have a
nutrient profile that is associated with reducing CVD risk. (Millen et al., 1727)
The study identifies the benefits of having access to fresh and high quality food in disease
prevention . Diabetes, high LDL cholesterol, and high sugar intake are all contributing factors to
obesity. It is for this reason, there is a concern for the nutritional well being of residents within
Keansburg who do not have easy access to quality food. Not only that, but the
Monmouth County Health Department and Monmouth County Regional Health commission are
about 40 minutes away via car. For residents with access to only public transportation, the trip
can easily be an hour and a half. On the other hand, the nearest WIC facility is about 3.2 miles
away, about a 15 minute bus ride. Residents within the 35-55 age range make up a large portion
of the population (38.2%), but receive less access to nutrition information and education.

15.

Weakness in Food and Nutrition Services

In the borough of Keansburg the largest weakness in the food and nutrition services is
that they have very limited access to food resources. The nearest farmers market is 2 miles
outside of the borough in Hazlet and there are only convenience stores to shop for food. There
are no grocery stores within Keansburg and therefore they must take public transportation to get
to the grocery stores that are outside of the borough if they do not have a car. This means that
those without their own transportation will have trouble getting multiple groceries because they
will only be able to buy what they can carry home with them. The one farmers market that was
in Keansburg is now being converted into a liquor store, which Keansburg already has many of.
For Keansburg to alleviate these weaknesses within their community they should first have a
grocery built. This would make their lives a lot easier and give them better access to healthier,

33

more nutritious foods and fresh fruits and vegetables. Keansburg can also alleviate these
weaknesses by creating more health initiatives within the community. As of right now the only
one that exists is a hypertension-screening program that is held by the Monmouth County Health
Department in Freehold, New Jersey. This is too far out of the way for the residents to get to and
therefore bringing the health screenings into the borough and other health initiatives would
benefit the community extremely. The cooperative extension that is located in Keansburg would
be able to assist the group with a new program. Currently, the cooperative extension in
Keansburg focuses on children. They have a program where children plant fruits and vegetables.
If this was extended into the community this garden could help feed the community and maybe
even be able to open up a farmers market.
References (13 -15)
Slawson, Deborah Leachman, Nurgul Fitzgerald, and Kathleen T. Morgan. "Position of the Academy
of Nutrition and Dietetics: The Role of Nutrition in Health Promotion and Chronic Disease
Prevention."Http://www.andjrnl.org/. N.p., July 2013. Web. 8 Oct. 2015.
Millen, Barbara E., Dolores M. Wolongevicz, Janet M. De Jesus, Cathy A. Nonas, and Alice H.
Lichtenstein. "2013 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guideline
on Lifestyle Management to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk: Practice Opportunities for
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists." Http://www.andjrnl.org/. N.p., Nov. 2014. Web. 8 Oct.
2015.

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