Example public food and nutrition dissertation topic 2:

Shopping on a shoe-string: A proposal for increasing the fresh fruit and vegetable intake amongst socio-economically deprived communities in Walthamstow.

The linkage between fresh fruit and vegetables and a balanced diet is beyond question. However, this dissertation contends that incorporating sufficient of both into daily diets is especially difficult for women living in poverty in deprived inner city areas and boroughs. In addition, their choices as regards fresh fruit and vegetables may be further limited by factors such as education, geographical location, and unemployment. Accordingly, using a pilot study of 20 volunteers in Walthamstow, this action research gives each of the 20 volunteers a set amount of money each week (out of their weekly budget) with which to supplement their diet with fresh fruit and vegetables. If successful, it is hoped that the findings from this study could be used to suggest that those on benefits should be given, as part of their benefits payments, coupons for redemption against fresh produce so as to bolster their intake of essential vitamins and iron.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Kamphuis, C., Giskes, K., De Bruijn, G. J., Wendel-Vos, W., Brug, J. and Van Lenthe, F. J. (2006). Environmental determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption among adults: A systematic review. British Journal of Nutrition, 96(04), pp. 620-635.
• Pollard, J., Kirk, S. F. L. and Cade, J. E. (2002). Factors affecting food choice in relation to fruit and vegetable intake: a review. Nutrition Research Reviews, 15(2), pp. 373-388.
• Winkler, E., Turrell, G. and Patterson, C. (2006). Does living in a disadvantaged area mean fewer opportunities to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables in the area? Findings from the Brisbane food study. Health & Place, 12(3), pp. 306-319.