A study of university students' perceptions and experiences around food practices

Abstract

Food practices are complex behaviours, influenced by a range of factors within the socio-cultural, economic, political, and environmental contexts. University students, many of whom are in the phase of “emerging adulthood,” live in unique contexts, oftentimes are in the process of adapting to new independence, while managing limited budgets and dealing with busy schedules and competing priorities, which can impact their food purchasing, preparation, and consumption practices. This thesis outlines a mixedmethods research study conducted on the food practices of undergraduate students living in St. John’s, NL. Through the use of surveys and in-depth interviews, this research explores students’ perceptions and experiences with food and health, looking at how complex interrelations between social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors influence these understandings and behaviours. Reflecting the dominant discourse, participants indicated their concern with eating healthy. However, a range of factors impact their ability to do so, with time constraints, lack of energy, financial difficulties, peer influence, and availability of food being some of the most common.