Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Wyoming, 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Apr. 8, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 146-160).

Master of Science / Department of Hospitality Management and Dietetics / Kevin L. Sauer / The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) seeks to provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to more than 31 million children daily. With the recent increase in childhood obesity, school nutrition programs must follow strict nutrient guidelines in meal preparation. As nutrient requirements have changed, participation in the NSLP has also decreased, especially among older students. To recover lost revenue, many schools offer al a carte items or other snack items often characterized as high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. The NSLP provides meals with a balance of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat and fat-free milk. Some research suggests that unintentional stereotypes or social stigmas exist about the NSLP program among participants. Al a carte and vending machine food options have influenced these stereotypes and in some cases have deterred students from participating in the NSLP. Research about stigma association with the NSLP is scarce and not current. This study investigated if social stigmas exist about the NSLP and their influence on student participation. Middle school students in Kansas comprised the population for this study. A survey instrument was drafted using themes identified from existing research. In addition to demographic variables, the survey contained statements that examined factors that motivate and de-motivate students from participating in the NSLP, and statements about social stigmas and peer influence. A panel of child nutrition program experts and a pilot study with middle school students were used to refine and validate the survey. The survey was distributed to middle school students in thirteen Family and Consumer Science classes in Kansas. A total of 559 students responded to the survey for a response rate of 48%. This study found that few of the motivator statements correlated with participation in the NSLP. However, preference for snack foods was identified as the largest deterrent in respondent participation. Few new social stigmas were identified, but significant variations were found when examining variations between some demographic variables. Respondents who were female, older in age and grade level, frequently ate school lunch, and attended large schools with a high number of students receiving lunch at a free and/or reduced price were more aware of social stigmas and more greatly impacted by the actions of their peers. In contrast, qualitative data showed that some respondents are greatly influenced by peers and the fear of stigmatization.

Thesis (M.S.)--Eastern Illinois University, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 39-41).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 114-122). Also available via the Internet.

Trending ahead to the year 2050, concerns continue to rise regarding feeding a world population of nearly 10 billion people (Smith, Tarawali, Grace, & Sones, 2013). The United States provides many federal programs to feed the hungry (Talk Poverty, 2018). Despite these provisions, barriers exist and prevent access to healthy foods (Innis, 2014). Residents in the state of Mississippi are posed with the challenge of accessing nutrient rich foods (Gunderson et al., 2018). In an effort to combat hunger in Mississippi, Mississippi WIC and MDAC have partnered to bridge farmers with low-income residents with the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (“Mississippi Farmers' Market Nutrition,” 2018). Barriers to access – like transportation, location, and market hours – may have an impact on redemtption rates (Conrey, Frongillo, Dollahite, & Griffin, 2003). This descriptive, correlational study used five independent variables to see if these had an impact on FMNP voucher redemption rates.

Virginia Cooperative Extension's Family Nutrition Program (FNP), which includes EFNEP and SNAP-Ed, works to help limited-resource families across the state make informed food-choices. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) lacks open-access physical activity resources representing individuals with varying weights, races, and ethnicities. In 2015, an integrated research-practice partnership was initiated for the development of an evidence-based physical activity resource for peer educators employed by FNP to use. The video suite, Move More, Virginia!, was created as open-access and includes demographically diverse individuals, representative of FNP clients. Study I determined client perceptions of physical activity and preferences for new resources. Study II identified FNP peer educators' perceptions of physical activity, their resource needs, and intent to use Move More, Virginia! resources. Both studies involved quantitative and qualitative data through surveys and focus groups. Formative data collected in Study I revealed the prominent themes related to clients (n=12) were physical activity facilitators (n= 100 meaning units (MU)) and physical activity barriers (n=77 MU). In Study II, peer educator responses(n=15) led to the emergence of four themes related to physical activity itself: barriers to incorporating physical activity within FNP (n=189 MU), physical activity facilitators (n=106), current delivery of physical activity (n=102 MU), and physical activity barriers (n= 16 MU). When prompted to share video specific feedback, the top theme was positive video feedback (n = 115 MU). Identified themes and subthemes provide deeper understanding of the organizational culture within FNP as thoughts, perceptions, and barriers to incorporating physical activity into FNP curriculum are highlighted. / Master of Science

Master of Science / Department of Computing and Information Sciences / Daniel Andresen / FNPRS program offers nutrition education all over the counties in Kansas. It is necessary to keep track of the budget expenses for the program, resources used and many other parameters involved in the program. There exist number of commodities and products in the process of educating people. Research is needed to determine which value-added products or processes are economically possible and what percentage of it is accepted by people. For these issues, it is very important to maintain this information in a database and generate reports accordingly. The aim of the project is to create a web interface for users to enter the program information regarding the various programs conducted by Family Nutrition Program. The various kinds of data include information about the budget for the program, information about the various collaborating agencies, various kinds of resources used, services provided, proposed equipment and travel funds etc. Users for this application are county agents who take the responsibility of conducting the program and managing their data. Creating a web interface provides a solution to facilitate the agents to manage their data more efficiently and to monitor their records on a day to day basis. It also aims for generating reports for Family Nutrition Program in order to keep a check over their advancements in the program. This project involves handling of various kinds of information such as FNP Proposals, Agent information, FNP Funds, Collaborating Agencies. Database maintenance is made simple thereby allowing the administrators to add as much as data possible and manage accordingly.

Many families that experience hunger in the United States rely on Food Assistance Programs to meet their daily nutrition needs. However, these programs do not always meet the needs of these individuals, as has been the case for individuals living under higher than expected levels of poverty in the Great Lakes region of the United States. Using policy feedback theory (PFT), the purpose of this case study was to explore the experiences of individuals from a county in the Great Lakes region of the United States, who depend on the federal Food Assistance Program, with particular attention given to evaluate the effectiveness of distribution mechanisms in helping these individuals meet their food needs. Data were collected through interviews with 11 program clients, 3 program administrators, as well as publicly available agency data. These data were inductively coded and then analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis procedure. Key findings revealed that clients perceived the Food Assistance Program as ineffective in preventing food insecurity without additional programs and resources. The findings also revealed that distribution mechanisms negatively impacted food recipients with limited income, resulting in increased food shortages, requiring recipients to seek additional food programs and resources. These findings also exposed barriers to employment opportunities for recipients, adding to the stress and anxiety experienced from food shortages. Positive social change implications from the findings include providing information to program administrators that can be used to improve the Food Assistance Program, which may in turn improve the lives of those who rely on food assistance programs.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2009. / Title from title page screen (viewed on Mar. 8, 2009). Thesis advisor: Katherine Kavanagh. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

“Fresh Fuel: The CanU Food Club” (Fresh Fuel) is the food and nutrition component of the larger CanU program aimed at improving the future well being of vulnerable children. A mixed-method case study evaluation was conducted with Fresh Fuel, employing a Utilization-Focused Evaluation approach. Results suggested that there were some gains in Fresh Fuel Participant (FFP) food and nutrition outcomes. Also, there were a variety of social benefits to FFPs, such as positive interaction with volunteers and peers, and having fun. Volunteers and practicum students developed career goals and skills. Results identified incompatible program goals, time limitations, inconsistent program implementation, and lack of direction in nutrition education; however, Fresh Fuel provided a supportive environment, hands on learning, and included positive nutrition discussions and food preparation experiences. The Utilization-Focused Evaluation approach has resulted in a meaningful report. Rigorous evaluations of Fresh Fuel and other food and nutrition programs are recommended. / October 2015