The Impact Of Food Security Status On The Food Shopping Behavior And Patterns Of 2018 Brighter Bites Participants At Baseline

Author

Sarah A. Crulcich, UTHealth School of Public HealthFollow

Date of Award

Summer 8-2019

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Advisor(s)

Laura Moore, Med, Rd, Ld

Second Advisor

Shreela Sharma, Phd, Rd, Ld

Third Advisor

Christine Markham, Phd

Abstract

Households with children continue to have a greater prevalence of food insecurity compared to the national average. While the national food security rates have improved in recent years, it remains stagnant among children. The purpose of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional regression analysis on food shopping patterns and behavior among Brighter Bites participants stratified by food security status to offer more insight into how these households obtain fresh produce. We used baseline survey data from Brighter Bites participants completed during fall 2018. The results indicate that food insecure Brighter Bites households shop more frequently for produce at locations such as large chain grocery stores, warehouse stores, and food banks/pantries compared to food secure households in the study. Both food secure and food insecure households reported primarily shopping at large chain grocery stores for fruits and vegetables. The findings open up promising approaches to consider the role of Brighter Bites education in aiding healthful shopping behaviors.

Recommended Citation

Crulcich, Sarah A., "The Impact Of Food Security Status On The Food Shopping Behavior And Patterns Of 2018 Brighter Bites Participants At Baseline" (2019). Dissertations & Theses (Open Access). 94.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthsph_dissertsopen/94