Effects of experiential food education on local food purchasing and eating behavior

Abstract

Using self-reported health and economic behav­iors, this study explores the extent to which experi­ential food activities such as cooking new foods and attending farmers markets impact local food consumption, purchasing, and eating behaviors. This longitudinal survey includes pre/post inter­vention surveys administered to a convenience sample of 55 community members, categorized as “young adults,” “adults,” and “older adults.” The 41-item baseline survey includes closed-ended questions regarding food preference, purchasing habits, and general awareness. The 54-item post survey, administered after participating in the study, includes the same closed-ended questions as the pre-survey, as well as open-ended questions regarding participants’ perceived impact of the intervention on their behaviors. Data was analyzed with paired t tests, one-way ANOVA, paired pro­portional analysis using McNemar’s Test, Bonfer­roni correction tests, and normality tests. Survey results show significant positive change (p<0.001) in overall eating, preparation, and purchasing behaviors from baseline to post-study. These find­ings appear to demonstrate that simple, low-cost interventions to engage adults in learning about and experiencing local food can lead to a change in shopping and pro-local eating behaviors.