Our research in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics aims to enhance understanding of the relationship between diet, health, and well-being. We focus on promoting healthy eating habits, sustainable nutrition practices, and the role of food in disease prevention. By exploring the impact of nutrition on human development across the lifespan, we provide insights that empower individuals and families to make informed dietary choices for improved health outcomes.
Development of a Community Food Pantry for Students of Higher Education
Food insecurity affects 11.1% of households in the United States, leaving many families susceptible to poor diet quality (Coleman-Jensen et al., 2021). Food insecurity, as defined by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, can range from a decrease in the quality, variety, or desirability of the diet to disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake (Coleman-Jensen et al., 2021).
Effects of nutrient claims on consumer purchasing of snacks in white-collar and blue-collar working environments
The objective of this study was to examine nutrient claims signage on the purchasing of snacks in corporate foodservice operations. The effectiveness of claims among foodservice operations serving primarily administrative roles (white-collar) were compared with those serving primarily manufacturing roles (blue-collar). An experimental study was conducted through the implementation of six nutrient claims evaluated by a group of registered dietitians.
Impact of Summer mobile feeding sites on increasing Children’s access to food
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) participation rates often underserve the number of children in the community needing access to food. Each year, District 87 in Bloomington, Illinois offers children 18 years old and younger a free lunch at six feeding sites throughout the community as part of the SFSP. During the summer of 2018, mobile feeding units were initiated to deliver lunches to three new feeding sites located at low-income housing complexes.
