Næra og Fræða

The doctoral project will examine food insecurity among low-income adults, a group that has been little studied in Iceland, and evaluate the effects of six weeks of practical education in cooking and nutrition, Næra og Fræða.

The study has two main goals: (1) to assess the prevalence and nature of food insecurity in this group and (2) to examine how Næra og Fræða affects adherence to dietary recommendations, food resource management, and changes in the frequency of food insecurity. Using a mixed-methods approach, participants in the intervention group receive local instruction at the University of Iceland’s Teaching Kitchen, while the comparison group receives printed educational materials and the intervention later. Collaboration with activity programs and aid organizations ensures an appropriate participant recruitment process.

A pilot test with 12 participants involved useful changes to the educational material. Questionnaires will be administered at the beginning, as well as 3 and 6 months after the intervention, using validated scales, including the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, Expanded Food and Nutrition Program Behavior Checklist, and a dietary frequency survey. The project supports Iceland’s food policy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on food security, sustainability, and public health.

Peer-reviewed articles will be published, along with presentations at conferences, while also improving the well-being of low-income groups through appropriate education.

The doctoral project is funded by:

Rannís
Þuríður J. Kristjánsdóttir Research and Support Fund
Public Health Fund