Do Not “Let Them Eat Cake”: Correlation of Food-Consumption Patterns among Rural Primary School Children from Welfare and Non-Welfare Households

Daniel Terry, Kaye Ervin, Erin Soutter, Renata Spiller, Nicole Dalle Nogare and Andrew John Hamilton
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Daniel Terry: Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Shepparton 3630, Australia
Kaye Ervin: Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Shepparton 3630, Australia
Erin Soutter: Goulburn Valley Primary Care Partnership, Shepparton 3630, Australia
Renata Spiller: Goulburn Valley Primary Care Partnership, Shepparton 3630, Australia
Nicole Dalle Nogare: Goulburn Valley Primary Care Partnership, Shepparton 3630, Australia
Andrew John Hamilton: Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Shepparton 3630, Australia

IJERPH, 2016, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Physical and financial access impacts food choice and consumption, while educational attainment, employment, income, gender, and socioeconomic status are also influential. Within this context, the aim of the paper is to examine the association between various foods consumed and eating patterns of children between low and higher income households. A paper-based survey was completed by parents/carers of children in 41 primary schools in rural and regional areas of Victoria. Data collected included demographics and the consumption of fruit, vegetable, and other foods including drinks. Ordinal data were analysed using Spearman’s rank-order correlation. The main findings were that children who consumed more fruit and vegetables tended to have a higher intake of healthy drinks (plain milk and water) as well as a lower intake of unhealthy snacks and drinks (sugar sweetened drinks). Those who perceived that fruit and vegetables cost too much reported greater consumption of unhealthy snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages, which was more prominent in low-income households. Changing food consumption behaviours requires a complex systems-based approach that addresses more than just individual issues variables. A participatory approach that works with local communities and seeks to build an understanding of unique challenges within sub-groups has potential for embedding long-lasting and meaningful change in eating behaviours.

Keywords: food; drinking; healthy eating; eating behaviour; socioeconomic factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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