Publication Date

2020

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Barrett, Sheila

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Health Studies

Abstract

This thesis focuses on understanding what impact the barrier of food security has on the fruit and vegetable intake of older adults. Food insecurity - lacking consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle - is an issue that affects 1 in 9 Americans, and can have an impact on one’s diet and potentially overall health. Using secondary data collected through the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, this study assessed the intake of fruits, vegetables, as well as the variety of produce consumed. This was then analyzed in order determine how the intake of these foods compared to the daily recommended servings set by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Differences in intake and variety were assessed based on both food security status as well as utilization of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among those who were food insecure. It was found that very few older adults in the study population were meeting the recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables regardless of food security status. The only significant difference in intake between food security groups was higher intakes of vegetables among those who were food secure. SNAP participation also had no significant effect on intake.

Extent

53 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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