Nutrition literacy among Food Stamp eligible adults: Implications for nutrition label, MyPyramid, and food advertising policies

Low health and nutrition literacy may function as serious barriers to positive behavior change among underserved, at-risk populations. Many educators, researchers, and policymakers presume health literacy in their design and implementation of health education and intervention programs, yet widespread challenges with nutrition literacy undermine large educational efforts like MyPyramid and nutrition labels. Using findings from a study of food stamp eligible adults, this paper will address the policy implications of low health literacy for government nutrition efforts such as MyPyramid, nutrition label policies, and food advertising policies. This study uses a non-representative sample of Food Stamp-eligible adults (n = 330) to identify strengths and challenges in understanding and utilizing health and nutrition information. Using in-depth interviewing, participants discuss interpretations of MyPyramid illustrations, complete basic calculations using nutrition label data, and share the extent to which their nutrition knowledge is sourced from food advertising. Content analyses reveal many themes in messages garnered from MyPyramid illustrations, addressing the types and quantities of foods perceived by participants to be recommended. Quantitative analyses of the Newest Vital Sign reveal patterns in correct and incorrect answers that may identify areas of improvement in nutrition label design. Finally, participants reveal perceptions and knowledge gleaned from advertising that simplifies or misrepresents accepted nutrition information and recommendations. These findings provide evidence of the need to improve design, regulation, and policies regarding government nutrition promotion and labeling efforts and food advertising parameters.