Honors Program
Undergraduate Research Honors Program [URHP]
Date of Award
5-2026
Thesis Professor(s)
Kendrea Todt
Thesis Professor Department
Nursing
Thesis Reader(s)
Dr. Trisha Mims
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) consume more ultra processed foods (UPFs). Higher rates of UPF consumption can lead to an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases. The production of UPFs is a trillion-dollar industry that puts profits over public health. This is now a global health concern as noted by the World Health Organization. An ethnographic investigation was conducted to understand college student food consumption in Appalachia. Students were observed in their natural environment (high-traffic areas, including student study spaces, the East Tennessee State University (ETSU)Sherrod Library, the Culp Center, etc.). A total of 20 hours of field observations were conducted. Observations began in the Fall of 2025 and concluded in the Spring of 2026. Field notes were taken during and after observations of the environment and analyzed. A gap in the literature exists, as the current research on UPFs does not adequately include college students. This study elucidates Appalachian college students' eating preferences and experiences with food. The findings reveal a high prevalence of UPF consumption and accessibility, eating as a means of socialization, and an emphasis on convenience eating rather than healthy eating. This study will add to nursing and nutrition science, 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 inform health policy and campus-related interventions. More research is needed to elucidate food consumption in the greater Appalachian region.
Publisher
East Tennessee State University
Document Type
Honors Thesis - Open Access
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Geffen, Corinne A., "The Eating Patterns of College Students in Appalachia" (2026). Undergraduate Honors Theses. Paper 847. https://dc.etsu.edu/honors/847
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
