Date Available

4-18-2019

Year of Publication

2019

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College

Agriculture, Food and Environment

Department/School/Program

Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Advisor

Dr. Sandra Bastin

Abstract

Nutrition education has become a topic of significant concern in today’s society. An area prominent in the interest of nutrition is the battle against food security. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) is helping to improve its participants’ food security by providing nutrition education. Kentucky SNAP-Ed participants were asked to complete a survey and a 24-hour food recall to evaluate their knowledge in the following areas: Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores, food resource management and nutrition practices. Each participant completed an average of 7-12 nutrition education lessons throughout the year. To graduate from the program participants were required to complete the same survey and food recall, applying knowledge gained from the program. Responses from 2,868 participants were analyzed to assess the impact of the SNAP-Ed program. Results demonstrated an improvement of average post-mean responses in all three areas (p-value < 0.001). In conclusion, this research supports that those who participated in the 2012 – 2013 SNAP-Ed program graduated with an overall positive change in nutrition behavior, promoting enhanced food security in low-income families.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2019.103

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