The Eating Patterns of College Students in Appalachia
Abstract
Historically, the Appalachian region of the United States has higher levels of poverty than other areas of the country. Food insecurity rates are highest for households with incomes below the poverty line. Americans with food insecurity who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) intake more ultra processed foods (UPF). Higher rates of UPF consumption lead to increased risk of noncommunicable diseases. An ethnographic investigation was conducted to understand college student food consumption in Appalachia. Students were observed in their natural environment, (student study centers, the ETSU Sherrod Library, the Culp Center, etc.) time in field 30 hours, observation only. Observations began in the Fall of 2025 and are ongoing. Field notes were taken during and after observations of the environment and analyzed. A gap in the literature exists, as the current literature surrounding UPFs does not include college students. This study will elucidate Appalachian college student preferences and experiences with food. The preliminary findings reveal great access to UPFs, eating as a means of socializing, and eating what is convenient rather than healthy. This study will add to nutrition research, especially in the Appalachian region where there is a large presence of obesity and chronic noncommunicable diseases. Findings will guide dietary and nursing education and provide a means for the alterations of health policy and campus-related interventions. More research is needed to elucidate food consumption in the greater Appalachian region.
Start Time
15-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 12:00 PM
Room Number
271
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
UG Orals
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Kendrea Todt
The Eating Patterns of College Students in Appalachia
271
Historically, the Appalachian region of the United States has higher levels of poverty than other areas of the country. Food insecurity rates are highest for households with incomes below the poverty line. Americans with food insecurity who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) intake more ultra processed foods (UPF). Higher rates of UPF consumption lead to increased risk of noncommunicable diseases. An ethnographic investigation was conducted to understand college student food consumption in Appalachia. Students were observed in their natural environment, (student study centers, the ETSU Sherrod Library, the Culp Center, etc.) time in field 30 hours, observation only. Observations began in the Fall of 2025 and are ongoing. Field notes were taken during and after observations of the environment and analyzed. A gap in the literature exists, as the current literature surrounding UPFs does not include college students. This study will elucidate Appalachian college student preferences and experiences with food. The preliminary findings reveal great access to UPFs, eating as a means of socializing, and eating what is convenient rather than healthy. This study will add to nutrition research, especially in the Appalachian region where there is a large presence of obesity and chronic noncommunicable diseases. Findings will guide dietary and nursing education and provide a means for the alterations of health policy and campus-related interventions. More research is needed to elucidate food consumption in the greater Appalachian region.
