Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health

Public Health


June 7, 2024

Using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to Assess Use of Local Parks in King County

There is a distinct lack of data regarding current park use in King County, WA, which complicates public health strategies to encourage physical activity among residents. Working with Public Health – Seattle & King County and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, this project piloted the…


The Association Between Eating Competence and Daily Hassles and Uplifts of Eating Location in Undergraduate University Students

The study sought to investigate the association between the daily hassles and uplifts related to eating location and eating competence (EC), and whether socio-demographics impact this association. Using the Daily Hassles and Uplifts Scale, the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0tm), and multivariate regression, associations between the hassles and uplifts of some of three eating…


Determinants of Indigenous Diet Quality and Their Association With Inflammation and Biological Age in the NHLBI Strong Heart Family Study

This thesis analyzed dietary and health marker data from Indigenous tribes in the NHLBI Strong Heart Family Study to assess for associations between diet quality, inflammation, and biological age. The thesis also reviewed the historical and social determinants of Indigenous diet quality and identified the concept of Indigenous Food Sovereignty as a direction for future…


Accessibility to WIC-Authorized Ethnic Food Stores in Washington State: Implications for Serving the Needs of Immigrant WIC-Eligible Populations

The Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is one of the federal nutrition assistance programs that safeguards food security among immigrant and refugee families. At least 20% of WIC participants in Washington state are of immigrant and refugee backgrounds, but the accessibility to culturally preferred foods through WIC-authorized stores is unknown. Utilizing…


Drivers Influencing Animal Wellbeing and Environmental Stewardship Decision-Making Among U.S. Animal Producers: A Qualitative Analysis

Using Q-methodology and qualitative methods, this study examined the drivers and tradeoffs of priorities regarding animal wellbeing and environmental stewardship among 35 U.S. beef, pork, and broiler producers. The study found that each producer operated under a unique context of influences, capturing the subjective experiences of beef, pork, and broiler producers as they balance complex…


A Scoping Review of Consumer Perceptions of Meat Sustainability: A Focus on Animal Welfare and Environmental Impact

Addressing the rising consumer concerns over meat’s sustainability, this thesis aimed to conduct a detailed scoping review to map out over a decade of research on consumer perceptions of meat’s environmental impact and animal welfare, analyzing 512 peer-reviewed articles from 2010 to 2022. The study not only identified regional and methodological variations in research on…


June 5, 2024

Recommendations for Seattle Fresh Bucks: Produce Prescription Program Best Practices and Benefit Level Adjustments

Seattle Fresh Bucks is a produce assistance program serving over 12,000 households in the City of Seattle by providing them with a monthly $40 voucher to purchase fruits and vegetables at 30 local farmers markets, farm stands, independent grocers, and supermarkets. Operated by the City of Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment and informed by…


Nutrition Policy and Food Service Guidelines Recommended for Adoption by Teen Feed

As a growing body of evidence demonstrates, food transcends beyond biological needs and interplays with behavioral, social, and mental concepts of whole-person health. Community-based organizations serving minoritized populations, like Seattle’s Teen Feed, are uniquely positioned to tailor nutritional programming to the needs of their client populations, informing nutrition practices and behaviors to support health across…


December 19, 2023

Exploring Connections Between Markets and Health: A Collaboration with Slow Food International

Collaborated with Slow Food International to support a webinar exploring the connection between farmer’s markets and health. Synthesized findings and external research into an editorial for marketing initiatives. Community Partner: Slow Food International (Earth Markets)


WSDA 2022-2023 Farm to School Purchasing Grants’ Post-Grant Survey and Purchasing Data Analysis

Analyzed 2022-2023 Farm to School Purchasing Grants’ post-grant survey and purchasing data to produce key impact metrics. These key metrics will be used to report the impact of the 2022-2023 Farm to School Grants to policy makers, stakeholders, and public as an impact infographic that will be released at WSDA website. Community Partner: WA State…



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