Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

4834

Date

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Clinical Nutrition

Committee Chair

Terra Smith

Committee Member

Ruth Williams-Hooker

Committee Member

Sara Foley

Abstract

Vegetarian and vegan diets are increasingly becoming a popular diet among the United States population. This mixed-mode survey and focus group study tested the perspective of vegetarian dining on the University of Memphis (UM) by students, faculty, and staff. Ninety-six individuals completed the survey and five participated in the focus groups from Fall 2015 and Summer 2016. The Qualtrics program used for the mixed-mode survey provided the statistical analysis for this study. The focus groups were audio-recorded and coded according for policy, general, and menu item changes. Participants stated seveal times the frustrations of finding vegetarian options on campus due to the lack of proper vegetarian-friendly policy, pricing, and healthier vegetarian options. In conclusion, even though the study results support the hypothesis of a negative perspective of vegetarian dining and options by students, faculty, and staff on campus, the participants were able to find and purchase healthy vegetarian foods through savvy and creative means.

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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