Date of Conferral
2020
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Health Services
Advisor
Joseph Robare
Abstract
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are the primary source of food for Georgians with an annual income under the federal poverty level. This program provides monthly monetary benefits to allow the purchase of food through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Georgia SNAP beneficiaries do not receive nutrition counseling or have purchasing restrictions associated with their benefits. Previous research has indicated that there is a significant benefit to eating fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this qualitative study was to apply the health belief model theory to understand the viewpoint of Georgia SNAP beneficiaries regarding fruits and vegetables. Data were collected through SNAP participant interviews and were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded manually and with NVivo statistical software. The results demonstrated that the ongoing nutrition education is helpful, beneficial, and positive. The participants also stated that the paper copy of nutrition education is most preferred. Participants viewed fruits and vegetables as healthy food choices and the local SNAP office did an excellent job of providing nutrition education. Another reoccurring theme was that long periods of excessive meat consummation can be harmful. SNAP recipients will benefit from local community events, a collaborative learning approach, and culturally competent nutrition education webinars. These implications will increase positive social change because it enhances nutrition education knowledge.
Recommended Citation
Reddick, Latasha Shanelle, "Perceptions of Fruits and Vegetables amongst Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Recipients" (2020). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 9232.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/9232
