IMPACT OF SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON PERCEIVED IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION IN FOOD SHOPPING

This study examines how the perception of a household main meal planne r about the importance of nutrition in food shopping is related to the person's sociodemographic characteristics. Results of this study sugg est that black, female, higher educated, and nonworking main meal plan ners generally perceive nutrition as more important in food shopping t han do others, Findings also suggest that nutrition is more important to main meal planners who reside in cities and in the South, The resul ts have important implications for government nutrition programs. The perceived importance of nutrition is also crucial to the success of co nsumer information programs that promote health and market nutritious foods.