Papers, Presentations & Final Reports
Do you eat like your grandma? Comparing Age-related Food Selection Criteria
Authors: Teresa B. Kaley, RD, LD, Gail M. Hanula, EdS, RD, LD, and Rebecca M. Mullis, PhD, RD, LD.
Title: Do you eat like your grandma? Comparing Age-related Food Selection Criteria
Presented at: The Society for Nutrition Education 36th Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA, 7-30-03
Abstract: Seven focus groups with food stamp-eligible senior citizens (n=27) and parents of young children (n=44) in urban and rural Georgia communities sought to identify nutrition education needs of low-income clients. Results indicated that food selection criteria differed between senior citizens and younger parents based on health status, family size, convenience, and economics. Nutrient content and ease of preparation were important to senior citizens. Seniors living alone or in small households frequently buy small-quantity containers at higher unit costs and refrain from buying perishable items. Many seniors spend more for brand name products due to perceived higher quality. Younger participants generally purchase products that have the lowest price. They buy bargain brands, store brands, sale items, and products for which they have coupons, without consideration for unit price. The exception is the purchase of some name brand items, such as children's preferred cereals, to avoid waste. The majority of participants reported choosing fewer "healthy foods", such as fresh produce and low-fat, low-sodium processed food due to cost. Some younger parents stated that they would like to buy more fruits and vegetables for their families, but they felt that meat is more filling and costs less. Based on the focus group results, nutrition educators should tailor their programs based on age of clients as well as economic, health, and nutrition concerns. This project was conducted by the University of Georgia (UGA) Department of Foods and Nutrition and funded by the UGA Cooperative Extension Service.
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