Food consumption patterns of University students

Abstract

The focus of this was study is food consumption. The objective of it was to find out the type of food consumed by students who frequent the canteen. The study targeted these types of students in order to find out how aware they are of healthy eating, and to find out whether the canteen offers this type of food according to them. By conducting this research, I want to be able to find out and see what food is available to students on campus and in the light of this see what food students choose to consume and the reasons behind their choice. The research was also aimed at finding out whether there were different consumption patterns when it comes to gender and if issues like peer pressure play a role in the type of food/drinks consumed. A quantitative survey was carried out among 250 students and as well as a qualitative interview with ten students and covert observation. I opted for three different types of methodologies because the study was aimed at a very large target and this allowed me compare my finding for more accurate results. My main findings were that the on campus food facilities offer food with is more convenient rather than healthy. Students find it convenient but stated that they would like to see more variety and healthier alternatives sold at the canteen as they have to go off campus or bring food with them from home in order to satisfy this need. From my findings it is evident that the students would like to see a change in the food sold on campus and as one can see later on a lot of proposes were made.