Date Available

3-11-2015

Year of Publication

2011

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Agriculture

Department/School/Program

Nutrition and Food Science

First Advisor

Dr. Hazel Forsythe

Second Advisor

Dr. Ingrid Adams

Abstract

A majority of low-income individuals living in public housing today are working or receiving some kind of assistance, but still struggle to make ends meet. Previous studies show that cost and availability are barriers to healthy eating for low-income individuals. The purpose of this study was to determine relationships among nutrition habits, health status, sources of income, and food and living resources for low-income residents in public housing. The study utilizes data collected over five years on the impact of the revitalization of the families. The sample was randomly selected from residents of the housing property in a Kentucky city. Results showed that low income is connected to limited access to healthy food options and individuals are more likely to be at risk for chronic health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. When income and employment were low, families reported a greater rate of skipped meals, less consumption of daily meals, and more purchasing of high fat and sodium meals from convenience stores.

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