Low Income Food Habits in Chapel Hill and Carrboro

Undergraduate: Patrick Mateer

Faculty Advisor: Kenneth Andrews
Department: Mathematics

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The purpose of this study is to better understand disadvantaged population¿s food behaviors. A secondary purpose is to inform triangle non-profits and social ventures about their target population in order to better create change. This investigation targeted lower income individuals by canvasing affordable apartment complexes, advertising in lower income areas, and attending food assistance programs. Participants were asked to fill out a 5 page survey asking about their diets, preferences, and general food use or disuse. Focus was put on identifying food insecurity and discovering patterns in low income habits.
The study yielded results in line with preliminary data, large portions of Chapel Hill and Carrboro¿s lower class are food insecure. Specifically 83 percent of individuals interviewed were food insecure. Furthermore, 62 percent of participants experienced serious hunger over three times a week. Interestingly a majority of individuals knew what foods were healthy even if they made no attempt to eat them, citing barriers of transportation and price. In conclusion, a majority of Chapel Hill and Carrboro¿s lower class suffers from food shortages and interruptions. This data has been shared with several local non-profits and has already led to changes in programs. It has also led the primary investigator to co-found a social venture and start a new program at Farmer Foodshare, both projects with goals to increase fresh food access in low income food deserts.