Defense Date

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Public Policy & Administration

First Advisor

Dr. Sarah Jane Brubaker

Second Advisor

Dr. Meghan Gough

Third Advisor

Dr. Maghboeba Mosavel

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Elena Serrano

Abstract

This qualitative exploratory study delved into perceptions of healthy diets and food-related behaviors among SNAP participants in Richmond, Virginia. The study also assessed participants’ perceptions of a hypothetical online food delivery program (“Meal Kits”) as an alternative nutritional support strategy. The Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) was used to conceptualize and design the study, guiding the analysis to focus on how individual, interpersonal, community/institutional, and societal factors influence behavior. The research explored participants’ perceptions of how personal, economic, cultural, and environmental factors influence their food choices. The study found that participants generally perceive healthy eating as an aspirational value. Economic considerations emerged as the most significant influencer of food choices, with many participants employing strategies, such as purchasing cheaper, less healthy foods, to manage limited SNAP benefits. Family and cultural influences also significantly shaped food shopping behaviors, as did convenience and taste. Participants viewed the local food environment as playing a crucial role, although not as significant as expected. Although findings were mixed, many participants indicated that areas of Richmond serviced by larger grocery chains offer acceptable access to healthy options. The key factors influencing this access were transportation and proximity to those larger chains. The study also identified participants’ lack of trust in the food industry, highlighting a need for more accessible and trusted nutritional information. Regarding meal kits and online delivery, participants expressed moderate interest in the kit’s potential to improve their diets and increase access, especially for those with health-related dietary needs or mobility issues. However, concerns about meal kit cost, quality, and personalization of delivered food were common. Many participants value the control over their diet that traditional shopping and cooking provide. This suggests that any meal kit integration into 7 SNAP must ensure affordability, quality assurance, and the ability to cater to personal preferences. Although the sample was small (N=19), this study did indicate that meal kits could complement SNAP in underserved areas. However, tailored implementation, informed by community needs and cultural preferences, is critical for such a program to be effective. A key finding of this limited study, however, is that even with careful implementation, if any potential future program fails to address the financial pressure felt by participants, it is unlikely to be utilized. Participants indicated that the SNAP allotment they receive was already inadequate for providing resources for a healthy diet, especially for a household. Thus, they were skeptical of any program, no matter how healthy, that would increase their costs. This finding is especially relevant given recent discussions about reductions in the SNAP budget, which might impact allotment levels for participants. Overall, however, this research indicates that meal kit options not currently available under SNAP, such as support for developing healthy shopping lists and preparing healthy meals, should be examined as a potential US Department of Agriculture Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) change initiative. Following further research, this study recommends considering the longer-term implementation of other meal kit options, such as delivered ingredients and prepared food, as the online food delivery and meal kit market continues to evolve.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

11-11-2025

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Available for download on Tuesday, September 24, 2030

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