CHANGING
APPALACHIAN FOODWAYS:
PERCEIVED CHANGES AND RATIONALE
FOR FOOD HABITS OF APPALACHIAN OHIOANS
Cindy
S. Oliveri; Deanna L. Tribe; Ohio State University Extension,
South District, PO Box 958, 017 Standpipe Rd., Jackson, OH 45640.
This
study focused on the eating behaviors of an identified population of
two hundred Appalachian senior adults residing in ten counties of rural
Southern Ohio. Higher than average incidences of some diseases
now associated with nutrition give cause for concern. The primary
objective of the study was to assess the influences of cultural context
and place of residence (cultural ecology) along with life experiences
and modern, mainstream society on the changing foodways of this specific
population. Results from this study may be useful in customizing
nutrition education materials and information.
Home
food production and subsistence agriculture represent sustainability
practices in this economically distressed region, a common state of
much of rural Appalachia. Food habits have traditionally been
influenced by the kinds of foods one was used to; types of food available;
and resources to produce and/or purchase food. Utilizing a self-administered
questionnaire, the surveyed population was able to recount foodways
changes that have happened during their lifetime just as rural life
has changed. These changes may or may not represent improvements
as rural residents assimilate mainstream practices.
Implications
for nutrition education resulting from this study include the need for
sensitivity in programming to address cultural preferences of clientele
and the importance of considering these cultural preferences, of which
food is a significant component, when recommending dietary changes or
adoption of new practices. It is also critical to build on the
strengths of eating patterns by identifying and reinforcing eating behaviors
and/or suggesting adaptations of commonly accepted foods in order to
encourage improvements.
Contact
person:
Cindy S. Oliveri, MS
Ohio State University Extension
PO Box 958, 017 Standpipe Rd.
Jackson, OH 45640
Telephone: 740/286/2177
Fax: 740/286/1578
E-mail: Oliveri.1@osu.edu
