Food Consumption, Attitude, and Behavioral Change

Transcript:Food Consumption, Attitude, and Behavioral Change:
Food Consumption, Attitude, and Behavioral Change Among CSA Members Kynda Curtis, Karin Allen, and Ruby Ward Department of Applied Economics and Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science Utah State University Overview Literature on local food consumption commonly examines consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for fresh produce, motivations for local foods purchases, farmers’ market attendance, and/or CSA membership Few studies examine the impact of purchases through direct marketing channels on consumer attitudes, dietary choice and food purchasing decisions Majority focus on the impacts of public programs on fruit/vegetable consumption among low income individuals, such as the WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs Study Purpose Examine the impacts of CSA program participation on consumer food purchasing habits and dietary choice Specifically changes in behavior and attitudes toward fruit/vegetable consumption, and Preparation of nutritionally enhanced meals Use/preparation of unfamiliar produce items Storage, such as canning, drying, freezing of items Food purchases, by type and amount Consumption of food outside the home (eating out) If CSA program participation does indeed produce attitude and behavioral change in its participants… Public policy encouraging CSA program membership, such as is currently done with farmers’ markets, may provide another vehicle for fostering dietary improvements Especially in areas where farmers’ markets may not be available or accessible for targeted populations - Dollahite et al. (2005) farmers market access barrier to WIC program Literature Overview – Dietary Changes Perez et al. (2003) CSA participants were more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables and to cook more creatively Conrey et al. (2003) WIC Program - Increased fruit and vegetable consumption was directly related to the nutritional information which supplemented the program Johnson et al. (2004) Home-bound senior program - participants increased produce intake by a full serving per day, but likely due to additional education and policy efforts Lea et al. (2006) The inclusion of locally-sourced salad bars in the Australian public school system increased produce consumption by both students and staff Literature Overview – Consumer Changes Ostrum (1997) Participation affected consumers’ eating habits affected and other consumption patterns CSA members tend to develop a stronger sense of community because consumers believe buying local is better for the environment, the health of the community and the health of their family members. O’Hara and Stangl (2002) Consumers’ environmental concerns grew stronger over the course of CSA membership Consumers increased their desire to eat produce while it was in season