Date of Award

8-1-2012

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Food and Nutrition

First Advisor

Long Roth, Sara

Abstract

Many believe eating healthfully is too expensive and therefore opt for less expensive, lower quality foods. There are disputes between research groups and government as to whether nutrition policies should be adjusted. Federal programs have made strides in combating food insecurity through nutrition help and education programs, but many question if the amount of skills in food selection and preparation can compensate for limited incomes. Regardless, the low incomes' diets are inadequate to meet nutritional needs and people are suffering the consequences. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent one can follow the USDA Food Guide Pyramid recommendations while only receiving SNAP benefits. Nine volunteers attempted to limit their food budget to $4.50 a day while maintaining MyPyramid recommendations. This study was a qualitative case study conducted in Southern Illinois in the spring of 2011. This study was descriptive, and the investigator gathered and analyzed the data.

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