Spending, Food Choices and Diet-Related Health of College Students
Location
CSU 253/4/5
Start Date
23-4-2007 1:00 PM
End Date
23-4-2007 3:00 PM
Student's Major
Family Consumer Science
Student's College
Allied Health and Nursing
Mentor's Name
Susan Fredstrom
Mentor's Department
Family Consumer Science
Mentor's College
Allied Health and Nursing
Description
We hope to find how economics affect students' food choices, and how that in turn may affect diet-related health. It is well documented that the adverse affects of inadequate nutrition are prominent in the poor, low-educated population. We intend to see if poor, yet well-educated college students will follow similar trends. A survey was sent out by email on the survey tool Zoomerang to a random sample of MSU students. The majority of people surveyed were between the ages of 20-22 years old. Most reported that a majority of their food came from groceries prepared at home and they spent $10-$25 per week on groceries. Ironically, they spent the same amount of money at restaurants and bars as they did for groceries. Personal preference was the main motivating force behind determining food purchases, but students claim to be moderately concerned about eating nutritious food. The majority of students eat lean meats, whole grains, and get at least seven servings of a combination of fruits and vegetables per week. The results showed that for the most part this group of college students eat fairly well and maintain a healthy BMI. Students living off campus claim they eat most meals from groceries prepared at home, but spend an equal amount of money at restaurants and bars. Their education assists them in choosing healthier options even though funds are limited.
Spending, Food Choices and Diet-Related Health of College Students
CSU 253/4/5
We hope to find how economics affect students' food choices, and how that in turn may affect diet-related health. It is well documented that the adverse affects of inadequate nutrition are prominent in the poor, low-educated population. We intend to see if poor, yet well-educated college students will follow similar trends. A survey was sent out by email on the survey tool Zoomerang to a random sample of MSU students. The majority of people surveyed were between the ages of 20-22 years old. Most reported that a majority of their food came from groceries prepared at home and they spent $10-$25 per week on groceries. Ironically, they spent the same amount of money at restaurants and bars as they did for groceries. Personal preference was the main motivating force behind determining food purchases, but students claim to be moderately concerned about eating nutritious food. The majority of students eat lean meats, whole grains, and get at least seven servings of a combination of fruits and vegetables per week. The results showed that for the most part this group of college students eat fairly well and maintain a healthy BMI. Students living off campus claim they eat most meals from groceries prepared at home, but spend an equal amount of money at restaurants and bars. Their education assists them in choosing healthier options even though funds are limited.
Recommended Citation
Peters, Kathryn. "Spending, Food Choices and Diet-Related Health of College Students." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 23, 2007.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2007/poster-session-B/9
