The first study investigates the factors that impact the duration of U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable imports. We employ both survival analysis (Kaplan Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards model) as well as count data models. Our results indicate that SPS treatment requirements positively impact the duration of trade while new market access has the opposite effect. Other factors typically included in trade duration models (such as: GDP, transportation costs, tariff rates, etc.) were also investigated. We also employ a probit model to understand the factors impacting the probability that a country selects into exporting fresh fruits and vegetables to the United States. The second study estimates the goods-time elasticity of substitution for Food Stamp/SNAP participants versus non participants. We find that the elasticity of substitution for SNAP participants is not statistically different from zero. This indicates that SNAP participants have Leontief production function in household food production, implying that increasing the amount of SNAP benefits paid to participants will not lead to more food production if the time households dedicate to food preparation remains unchanged. This finding extends the analysis done by Baral, Davis and You (2011) and offers insights for policies related to the SNAP program. / Master of Science

It is unknown if participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) influences the magnitude of improvement in dietary intake in response to dietary interventions. Adults with low socioeconomic status (SES) tend to have lower overall dietary quality as compared to those with higher SES. However, low SES adults are more likely to receive benefits from SNAP, which gives nutrition assistance to millions of eligible Americans. The objective of this investigation is to examine differences in dietary intake between 1) SNAP participants, 2) those eligible for SNAP but not receiving (nonparticipants), and 3) those ineligible for SNAP, in response to an intervention targeting a reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. Adult participants (n=146) from Southwest Virginia were enrolled in a 6-month, community-based trial, SIPsmartER. Participants provided SNAP enrollment status and 3 24-hour dietary recalls at baseline and 6-months. Dietary variables (SSB, macronutrients, etc.) and dietary quality data (Healthy Eating Index [HEI-2010]) were derived from nutritional analysis software (NDS-R 2011). Statistical analyses included descriptives and repeated-measures ANOVA. Although SNAP participation and eligibility status did not impact the overall effectiveness of this dietary intervention, the within group data suggests that those eligible for SNAP but not participating (n=30) may be at a disadvantage to improving their dietary intake as compared to those at a similar household income who receive SNAP benefits (n=56) or ineligible individuals at a higher income level (n=60). Future research is needed to explore if participant's ability to maintain long-term adherence to the dietary changes differs between groups. / Master of Science / It is unknown if participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) effects the magnitude of improvement in dietary intake in response to dietary interventions. Adults with lower income and educational attainment tend to have lower overall dietary quality as compared to those with higher income and education levels. However, lower income adults are more likely to receive benefits from SNAP, which is a program that gives nutrition assistance to millions of eligible Americans. The objective of this study is to investigate potential differences in dietary intake between 1) SNAP participants, 2) those eligible for SNAP,but not receiving (nonparticipants), and 3) those ineligible for SNAP, in response to an intervention targeting a reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. Adult participants (n=146) from Southwest Virginia were enrolled in a 6-month, community-based trial, SIPsmartER. Participants provided SNAP enrollment status and 3 24-hour dietary food recalls at baseline and again at 6-months. Dietary variables (SSB, protein, fat, carbohydrates, etc.) and dietary quality data (Healthy Eating Index) were derived from nutritional analysis software (NDS-R 2011). Statistical analyses included descriptives and repeated-measures ANOVA. Although SNAP participation and eligibility status did not impact the overall success of this dietary intervention, other data suggests that those eligible for SNAP but not participating (n=30) may be at a disadvantage to improving their dietary intake as compared to SNAP eligible and receiving (n=56) or ineligible (n=60) participants. Future research is needed to explore if participant’s ability to maintain long-term adherence to the dietary changes differs between groups.

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

The USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's (SNAP) strives to connect SNAP recipients to local and healthful food sold at Farmers' markets. These efforts are an attempt to provide families, struggling to make ends meet, access to healthy foods and food purchasing power via the Federal Food Stamp program. However, of the 288 listed farmers' markets in Illinois only 25 are listed as SNAP/EBT accepting markets (2010 National Farmers Market Directory). The first part of this study uses the 61st Street Farmers Market as a case study, investigating the practical market operations and interpreting their method of EBT implementation to provide an established model of an existing and thriving farmers' market. Next, I will investigate the socio-economic characteristics (population, race, employment, income, poverty, education, age, and SNAP recipients) of Illinois farmers' markets accepting EBT. I will compare this data to other Illinois Farmers' markets that do not accept EBT and assess which non-accepting market locations would be most suitable for implementing EBT usage in the future. Finally, based on my case study and statistical analysis, I will discuss recommendations for farmers' markets to accept EBT into their markets. Findings indicate that there is no significant difference between the mean ranks of the socio-economic characteristics for the EBT and non-EBT accepting farmers' markets. Of the 8 socio-economic characteristics tested, the populations of SNAP recipients were analogous for each group: EBT and Non-EBT accepting farmers' markets.

Food insecurity (not having continuing access to nutritious food to maintain health) is common in the United States, especially in working poor households. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a well-documented safety net for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. Little is known about the effect of SNAP policy on food insecurity in working poor military households. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of food-insecure Army families and the perceived influence of SNAP policy on their food-insecurity. The theoretical framework was policy feedback theory. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 13 Army heads of households. Data were coded and categorized to identify 3 themes: impact of Army culture, federal programs as stabilization, and limiting SNAP policy. Participants struggle with food insecurity due to unique aspects of military culture, such as transition, and the limitations of current SNAP policy. Findings may be used to inform policymakers of the influence of SNAP policy on food insecurity in the U.S. Army.

In the United States (U.S.), up to 40% of the entire food supply is lost or wasted, which contributes to negative environmental, economic, and social outcomes, with the majority of food waste occurring in the retail and consumer sectors of the food supply chain. Concurrently, 10.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2019. Food insecurity rates are higher among individuals with low income and disproportionately affects ethically and racially diverse people living in poverty. Diverting excess food from retail and institutional settings to people in need is one method to reduce food waste and enhance individual, household, and community food security. This PhD dissertation describes four studies that explored food waste management in the U.S. among households with low-income and within U.S. food pantries, which are a critical component of the emergency food system. Study 1 consisted of a systematic review that examined differences in food waste attitudes and practices among consumers of across income levels. Study 2 was a quantitative research methods approach to examine food waste attitudes and practices of SNAP-eligible households (n=17). Study 3 was a cross-sectional quantitative approach to examine the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on food waste management within U.S. food pantries (n=290). Study 4 assessed the feasibility of food pantries in Virginia (n=68) to implement marketing-mix and choice-architecture (MMCA) strategies within their food pantries given the changes they had to make in their food distribution models in response to COVID-19 physical distancing requirements. Collectively, the studies described in this PhD dissertation address knowledge gaps and may be used to inform policies and initiatives to increase food security and decrease food waste among households with low-income and organizations aimed at serving them. / Doctor of Philosophy / Food waste in the U.S. is a major challenge that impacts the environment, economy, and society. The largest amounts of food waste are generated within food retail and consumer household settings. Concurrently, food insecurity, which is defined as obtaining and having access to enough food for an adequate, nutritious diet, is also another complex food systems challenge in the U.S. Food insecurity rates are higher among people with low income and disproportionately affects ethnically and racially diverse people. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic placed further pressure on these two food systems challenges. Diverting excess, wholesome food from retail and institutional settings to people with hunger is a preferred method to mitigate both food waste levels and food insecurity rates. The U.S. emergency food system, which is a network of food recovery organizations that aim to receive excess food from retail settings and redistribute the food to people with hunger, play a pivotal role in addressing these two challenges. This PhD dissertation described four studies that address these two challenges. While this dissertation examined food waste management, the first half of the dissertation explored this topic within households and the second half explored food waste management within food pantries, which are a critical component to the U.S. emergency food system. Study 1 utilized a systematic procedure to review previously published consumer food waste research. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in food waste attitudes and practices among consumers of various income levels. Study 2 used a survey to examine food waste attitudes and practices of households eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Study 3 explored the impact of COVID-19 physical distancing requirements on food waste management within U.S. food pantries. Lastly, study 4 explored the feasibility of food pantry staff/volunteers on implementing behavioral economics strategies, which are changes to a setting that can promote selection of a certain food item, within their food pantry. Collectively, the studies described in this PhD dissertation address knowledge gaps and may inform policies and initiatives to mutually increase food security and decrease food waste among households with low-income and organizations aimed at serving them.

The purpose of this research was to examine food security for people with prediabetes participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), focusing on their food choice decisions and coping strategies over a 30-day benefit cycle that potentially increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional, quantitative design based on food choice process model constructs was used. SNAP participants (n = 36) with prediabetes, aged 21â??70 years, were recruited as outpatients from Bronx Lebanon Hospital and completed self-reported questionnaires on demographics and health, food security, and food frequency. Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi square tests, and regression analysis were performed using SPSS. Also, independent t test, and Levene's test were used for ad hoc analysis to assess variation of food choice decisions over 30 days. Of the sample, 5% had low and 95% very low food secure status. Food security status did not predict coping strategies (p = .724); however, food security status and type of coping strategy had a moderate relationship (p < 0.01; r =.60). Food choices of 11 food categories changed over a 30-day cycle with greatest variation for Week 1, compared to Weeks 2â??4 (p < .005). Use of coping strategies to minimize hunger was limited. Very low food security associated with certain coping strategies disrupted eating patterns. Disrupted eating patterns affect food variation over time, increasing the intake of non-nutrient-dense foods and the risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The implications for positive social change include the potential to change SNAP's benefit allotments, make nutrition education mandatory, and create a nutrition package, thereby lowering food insecurity and the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

The purpose of this research was to examine food security for people with prediabetes participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), focusing on their food choice decisions and coping strategies over a 30-day benefit cycle that potentially increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional, quantitative design based on food choice process model constructs was used. SNAP participants (n = 36) with prediabetes, aged 21-70 years, were recruited as outpatients from Bronx Lebanon Hospital and completed self-reported questionnaires on demographics and health, food security, and food frequency. Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi square tests, and regression analysis were performed using SPSS. Also, independent t test, and Levene's test were used for ad hoc analysis to assess variation of food choice decisions over 30 days. Of the sample, 5% had low and 95% very low food secure status. Food security status did not predict coping strategies (p = .724); however, food security status and type of coping strategy had a moderate relationship (p < 0.01; r =.60). Food choices of 11 food categories changed over a 30-day cycle with greatest variation for Week 1, compared to Weeks 2-4 (p < .005). Use of coping strategies to minimize hunger was limited. Very low food security associated with certain coping strategies disrupted eating patterns. Disrupted eating patterns affect food variation over time, increasing the intake of non-nutrient-dense foods and the risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The implications for positive social change include the potential to change SNAP's benefit allotments, make nutrition education mandatory, and create a nutrition package, thereby lowering food insecurity and the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

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Objective: Evaluate how a social marketing approach compares to traditional nutrition education curriculum for promoting behavioral changes related to eating and food. Design: Nonequivalent comparison group, entry-exit design. Participants from 12 Kentucky counties assigned either comparison or pilot group. Comparison group received traditional nutrition education curriculum and pilot group received the social marketing program, Cook Together, Eat Together (CTET) curriculum. EFNEP’s Behavior Checklist and 24-Hour Dietary Recall were administered at entry and exit of the 8-week programs. Participants: Females (18-72 years of age) from families eligible to receive SNAP benefits (n=64 comparison group participants, n=60 pilot group participants). Intervention: Comparison group completed an 8-week standard lesson and pilot group completed CTET program in varying time frames (1-8 weeks). Main Outcome Measures: Eating behavior changes between entry and exit for comparison versus pilot. Analysis: Quantitative data were analyzed using independent and paired t-tests with significance of P≤ 0.05 and 0.10. Results: Groups were demographically similar. Both had significant differences in entry and exit scores for Behavior Checklist and 24-Hour Recall (P≤ 0.05). Conclusion and Implications: Positive behavior change was observed in both comparison and pilot groups. A social marketing program proves to be a promising approach to nutrition education.