Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

1277

Date

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Clinical Nutrition

Committee Chair

Terra L Smith

Committee Member

Estella Mayhue-Greer

Committee Member

Ebenezer Olusegun George

Abstract

The supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government entitlement program that provides monetary assistance for participants to consistently acquire adequate food. Many unanswered questions remain regarding nutrition quality of SNAP purchases. Eighty-four SNAP participants were surveyed at food pantries throughout Shelby County, TN to obtain a descriptive analysis of participant purchasing habits. The majority of households received $150 or less per month in benefits, which were spent most frequently at convenience stores (n=42) and in bakeries/delis (n=44). 77% (n=65) of participants reported experiencing times while utilizing SNAP benefits where there was not enough food to feed his/her family. Meat products were the most expensive items participants purchased and also the items participants most frequently cited desires to have more money to purchase. Regionally tailored nutrition interventions for the future include greater access to food pantries in conjunction with encouraging local plant-based protein options to improve dietary quality.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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