Study on the effects of increased food prices on the food habits of college students

Includes bibliographical references (pages 76-80)This study investigates whether changes in the diet have occurred among graduate students due to the recent increase in food prices. A questionnaire was administered to ten graduate classes at California State University, Northridge. One hundred usable questionnaires were obtained. Responses given by the subjects were analyzed for the following: changes in consumption of certain food items; meatless meals and vegetable protein consumption; convenience food and eating out habits; satisfaction about present diet; food expenditure; and possible relationship between diet and disease. The study found that the students were eating less beef, pork, sugar, snacks, soft drinks, convenience foods, and that they were eating out less often. The respondents were, however, eating more poultry and vegetables. The students agreed that adults can obtain adequate amounts of protein from a meatless meal, and most were eating such meals; however, the majority did not consume products made from texturized vegetable protein. Only one-third of the students reported that they are eating everything they wanted. Many would like to eat more beef, fish and seafood. The majority of the students agreed that they are spending more money for food now than before, and the average family (2.7 persons) spent approximately 30 to 39 dollars a week at the supermarket, and five to eight dollars eating out. Most of the dietary changes observed could contribute to a reduction in serum cholesterol levels, and therefore may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease