The Effect of a Recessionary Economy on Food Choice: Implications for Nutrition Education

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of an economic recession on food choice behaviors.DesignA qualitative study using semistructured, in-depth interviews followed by completion of a nutrition knowledge questionnaire and the Food Choice Questionnaire was conducted.Setting and ParticipantsA convenience sample from a metropolitan city in the Midwest. Women with children younger than 18 years in the household who had experienced unemployment, underemployment, or loss of a house because of foreclosure in the previous year participated (n = 25).Main Outcome MeasureReported behaviors for food choices when grocery shopping and dining out and educational resources requested to inform nutrition education programs.AnalysisInterviews were coded with a matrix derived from participant statements. Common behaviors were grouped and broad themes were identified.ResultsNumerous shopping strategies were recently used to save money (eg, buying only sale items, using coupons). Participants believed a healthful diet included a variety of foods with less sugar, salt, and fat. Recipes and menus that required little cost or preparation time and resources to track food expenditures were desired.Conclusions and ImplicationsNutrition education should include money-saving shopping strategies, facilitate menu planning and cooking skills, and address food resource management to enable participants to acquire sufficient, acceptable, and nutritionally adequate food.