University of Kentucky
Health on a Budget: The Challenge of DASH Diet Affordability for Low-Income Families
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Human Health Sciences
Institution 24-25
University of Kentucky
KY House District #
59
KY Senate District #
26
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Brandi White, PhD; Kendra OoNorasak
Department
Human Health Sciences
Abstract
Hypertension rates in Kentucky are approximately nine percent higher than the nationally reported average, a paramount issue to its inhabitants. Doubly affecting low-income Kentuckians, hypertension rates raise seventeen percent when their yearly income is twenty-five thousand dollars versus if the amount was doubled. The federal poverty level for a family of four sits just above the lower end of the income spectrum, urging more conversation around Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility and allotments. However, SNAP eligibility is highly dependent on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Thrifty Food Plan, a plan intentionally tailored to a family of four. Given the staggering rates of hypertension within the state, the evidence-based Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan serves to tackle the hypertensive trends, offering heart-healthy options centered around fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
This study aims to determine if a low-income family of four can afford to follow the DASH eating plan for one-week based on the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan budget. Utilizing an accredited DASH menu and an online cost calculation platform, we hypothesize that a low-income household of four would not be able to afford the DASH plan, although these individuals would statistically benefit from it the most. The results of this study are believed to have several clinical, public health, and policy implications for the Commonwealth and beyond.
Health on a Budget: The Challenge of DASH Diet Affordability for Low-Income Families
Hypertension rates in Kentucky are approximately nine percent higher than the nationally reported average, a paramount issue to its inhabitants. Doubly affecting low-income Kentuckians, hypertension rates raise seventeen percent when their yearly income is twenty-five thousand dollars versus if the amount was doubled. The federal poverty level for a family of four sits just above the lower end of the income spectrum, urging more conversation around Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility and allotments. However, SNAP eligibility is highly dependent on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Thrifty Food Plan, a plan intentionally tailored to a family of four. Given the staggering rates of hypertension within the state, the evidence-based Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan serves to tackle the hypertensive trends, offering heart-healthy options centered around fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
This study aims to determine if a low-income family of four can afford to follow the DASH eating plan for one-week based on the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan budget. Utilizing an accredited DASH menu and an online cost calculation platform, we hypothesize that a low-income household of four would not be able to afford the DASH plan, although these individuals would statistically benefit from it the most. The results of this study are believed to have several clinical, public health, and policy implications for the Commonwealth and beyond.