This study was conducted to examine the food perceptions, purchasing, preparation, and consumption behaviors of female SNAP participants in East Central Indiana. Twenty participants were interviewed, and interviews were transcribed and compiled in order to identify patterns. Participants were primarily white, had at least a high school education, were food-secure, and 85% were either overweight or obese. Results indicated that the participants interviewed in this study had limited opportunities to participate in food and nutrition education courses unless approached by community agencies. Participants indicated they purchased a large variety of healthy and unhealthy food items from a wide array of grocers. A portion of the participants participated in EFNEP courses (n=4), WIC education (n=7), or conducted self-research (n=9). These participants indicated they retained knowledge by participating in these methods of education. Although participants expressed the desire to exhibit healthy eating behaviors, such as examining food labels, they also indicated they did not understand how to utilize the information to make healthy food choices. Results indicated all participants in SNAP would benefit from food and nutrition education courses that focus on SNAP benefit budgeting, meal planning that includes more fruits and vegetables, low-fat food items, and leaner cuts of meat, and physical activity. Practitioners and SNAP officials should be encouraged to coordinate efforts to make participants aware of educational opportunities in order to improve overall health outcomes. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

This study analyzed the amount of variance in employment interests of a sample of poor women that may be attributed to self-esteem, locus of control, and exposure to nontraditional occupations and the interaction among these variables. A stratified random sample was selected from a population of 1172 participants enrolled in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in seven sites in Virginia. The selected sites were representative of geographic and economic areas in the state. Two of the independent variables were measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Rotter Locus of Control Scale. Demographic data and the variables of exposure to nontraditional occupations and employment interests were measured using the Employment Interests and Experiences Interview Schedule designed by the researcher. Data were collected by the paraprofessionals in each unit using the EFNEP records and through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics were reported and multiple regression procedures were utilized to analyze the data. The conclusions drawn were that the poor women in the sample were heterogeneous, had relatively high education and employment aspirations, and had low self-esteem. These women need more exposure to nontraditional occupations and they expressed a willingness to consider such careers. Poor women such as those in this study need a combination of support services to successfully make the transition to the workforce. For this group exposure to nontraditional occupations and higher self-esteem increased interest in nontraditional careers. Those with a higher self-esteem were also more likely to be interested in nonsex-typed occupations. Programs that serve poor women may need to broaden their scope to match the needs of heterogeneous groups. These women also require indepth career counseling to help them understand the range and scope of occupations that are available, especially those that are nontraditional for their gender. Recommendations for further research which may expand the knowledge base about the employment interests of poor women are given. This research could contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty that affects an increasing portion of our population. / Ed. D.