Food Ethics Symposium

On April 14th, 2011 I presented my research findings to the Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility (MCEPR) from a study I conducted this semester on health communication. The Food Symposium consisted of 4 panelist and a room full of individuals interested in public health, nutrition and the ethics surrounding food deserts. Dr. Owen Lynch, my mentor and professor during this semester, watched from the audience as each panelist presented their research and opened the floor for questions.

My research involved collecting food receipts for 14 days from 20 families. After I collected all of the receipts, I sent out a survey cited in several studies, that measured nutritional knowledge of each subject.      All subjects were middle to upper class Caucasians and Hispanics in the Dallas area. The results from the survey revealed that each subject possessed a strong understanding of nutritional knowledge. However, purchasing patterns were not congruent with nutritional knowledge. 


My findings were rather interesting:

·      Though 100% of subjects felt that health experts would recommend eating less sugary foods, every subject purchased items that contained high amounts of sugar including cookies, sugary cereals or packaged candy.

·      While 85.7% of the subjects felt individuals should eat less starchy foods, each subject at one point in the study purchased heavy amounts of starchy foods when grocery store shopping. Items included bread, chips, crackers and starch-heavy vegetables; including potatoes and corn.  Subjects also illustrated strong knowledge when asked about the sodium content of foods.

·      While 100% of subjects believed a nutritionist would suggest eating less salty foods, every subject consumed salty foods when dining outside their home. Foods heavy in salt consisted of fast food hamburgers and fries, Chinese take-out dishes and Mexican dishes with heavy sodium levels.

·      While a safe and healthy dose of sodium is 0.9 to 2.3 grams per day, a double cheeseburger and fries from McDonald’s (a reoccurring item on several receipts), contains 1360 milligrams (1.36 grams) alone (Calorie Lab, 2011).

·      Receiving nutritional benefits from high nutrient foods were also found as an important knowledge distinction in the study.

·      The survey revealed that 100% of the participants identifying whole grain bread as the best choice when consuming vitamins and minerals.  Again, though all participants identified whole grain as the best choice for achieving optimum nutrient intake, the majority of the breads purchased were cakes and white processed breads.

·      Overall, each subject conveyed a high understanding for achieving a healthy, nutritional diet. However, their purchasing patterns overall counteracted their knowledge. While purchasing patterns in grocery stores were somewhat healthier for most subjects, meals purchased outside the home consisted of burgers, fries, pizza and general fast food items. 

      Though each subject exhibited strong nutritional knowledge, their purchasing patterns were rather unhealthy. My study sought to understand why this occurs through the psychological theory known as Cognitive Dissonance Theory (CDT). Currently, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is administering educational programs in schools; however my research suggested that it is more than just increasing nutritional knowledge; there is an internal component as well. My next study will seek to understand why individuals suspend their rational discourse. 

      After the symposium, a representative from Crossroads Community Services wanted me to join her research team and meet with her clients that receive food from the North Texas Food Bank. The research seeks to understand food insecurities that go beyond knowledge. I am following up with the organization to continue my research surrounding this topic.

       At the food banquet following the symposium, the MCEPR announced that my paper and research won the contest. My research was encouraged and many suggested I continue my second study. This was a marvelous experience and opened my eyes to my research passion. If you have made it to the bottom of the page, I thank you for taking the time to read my efforts and research findings, it took much time and work. 

      May I leave you with words from this experience. Do not underestimate your ability to accomplish great things, it is all within you and your drive to succeed. Do not let others pull you down or change who you are, live life for you and the ones that matter most. Also, and most importantly, never forget the ones that stood my your side in the toughest of times. 

      I would like to personally thank Dr. Owen Lynch for his positive attitude and constant encouragement, I could not have done it without his persistence in challenging me academically. Lastly, be who you want to be. By this I mean be who you are inside because it is our actions that define us. Be humbled by your opportunities and live for today. My journey at Southern Methodist University is coming to an end and I am so honored to to have accomplished my goals.