The Snacking Habits and Choices of Undergraduate Students at the University of Mississippi When On and Off Campus Using the Social Ecological Model

The main objective of this study was to determine the snacking habits and choices of college student when they are on and off their university campus. Also, to determine if there is a correlation between the amount of times a student snacks and their BMI. A survey with questions created using the Social Ecological Model (SEM) was sent out to students and 479 usable surveys were collected. This study shows that students snacking choices are different when on and off campus. Students tend to consume more candies and cakes, pastries, and pies when on campus than off. Students consume more fruits, fruit juices, and vegetables when off campus than on. The university campus may be promoting the consumption of unhealthy snacking habits among students with the convenience of vending machines and PODs along with the availability of FLEX dollars. The University should consider implementing a policy with specific nutrition requirements to combat the high number of unhealthy snacks eaten on campus