Local Food Consumption Is Associated With Higher Healthy Eating Index Score

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to determine the influence of local food consumption over diet quality. Purposeful sampling was employed to recruit 186 participants in Austin, Texas. Participants were asked to complete and return a survey, as well as several online 24-hour recalls using the Automated Self-administered 24-hour Recall system. MyPyramid Equivalents were then calculated and converted into a Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2005 score. These scored were then included in regression models with the self-reported amount of local food in the diet. A higher proportion of local food in the diet was associated with a higher overall HEI score, as well as higher score in important subgroups.

KEYWORDS:

• local food
• farmers’ markets
• dietary assessment
• Healthy Eating Index
• ASA24