Volunteers Sought for UMaine Nutrition Project
Contact: Contact: Adrienne White, food science and human nutrition, 207-581-3134; Nellie Hedstrom, Cooperative Extension, 207-581-3110
ORONO, Maine — University of Maine nutritionists are looking for young adults, ages 18 to 24, to participate in a year-long study of eating habits. If they qualify, participants will receive $40 in compensation for their help in a project that will involve phone interviews and mailings of nutrition information. Individuals interested in the study can call Adrienne White, associate professor in food science and human nutrition at 1-888-328-1223 (1-800-EAT-1223).
Participants will receive nutrition information and be interviewed by phone three times over the course of the year.
Nutritionists know that good eating habits at a young age can contribute to a lifetime of good health, but they know little about how young adults make food choices, says White. “This study will help us understand more about young adult eating patterns so that we can do a better job of designing and implementing nutrition education methods and materials,” she adds.
Nellie Hedstrom, nutrition specialist for Cooperative Extension and Kathy Savoie, extension educator in Cumberland County are project collaborators. They have organized nutrition aides in five counties to help recruit young adults who meet the eligibility guidelines of being low-income.
Maine is one of 10 states participating in the study. The nutritionists hope to recruit 100 young adults from across the state by the end of July.