Protein Per Dollar:
How to Empower
Impoverished
Consumers
An innovative community intervention which
attacks economic barriers and misinformation
to prevent hunger and low protein intakes.
November 2015
By Rachel M. Dewey
Protein Per Dollar: White Paper
What are the Macronutrients?
There are three macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fat. An
individual needs a diet with all three in order to survive. Nutrition
status is the health of the body directly related to food intake. A diet
with the recommended portions of each of the macronutrients is
necessary for one to live a healthy, active lifestyle.
Protein is the most expensive
macronutrient, and its best
known sources have the
highest cost.
Which Has the Highest Cost?
When comparing the three macronutrients one finds that protein has
the highest plate cost. The cost is further increased because the most
well-known sources of protein are also the most expensive. Individuals
who generally do not have any problems meeting their total daily
energy or calorie needs may fall short of their protein needs. Those in
low socioeconomic groups cannot afford to regularly purchase the
most widely known sources of protein such as beef, poultry, pork and
seafood. Many are not aware of other quality sources of protein.
Why is protein Important?
Low levels of protein in the diet increases of severe illness and death.
Protein energy malnutrition, or low levels of protein and calories in the
diet, is linked with many chronic diseases, most commonly; lung,
heart, nervous system, skeleton, kidney, and joint diseases (Thomas).
Low protein intake in infants and children can retard growth, weaken
the immune systems, and slow tissue repair (Brown). Protein needs in
adolescents increase due to the addition and maintenance of lean body
mass during the adolescent growth spurt; if protein intake is low
growth, and sexual maturation may be delayed (Brown). Protein needs
are increased in late adulthood. Low protein intake in older adults is
associated with muscle wasting, weak bones, poor immunity, and
delayed healing. Individuals who have increased protein needs
include: pregnant and lactating women, children, adolescents, elderly
vegetarians, and athletes. Those at higher risks of poor protein intake
include: individuals with chronic illnesses, in low socioeconomic
groups, older adults, individuals with lower education, and vegetarians
(Thompson).
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Program Overview
Food security education programs are becoming increasingly popular
in today’s economic status. Protein Per Dollar focuses on strategies to
combat the rising costs of well-known protein sources. The program’s
goal is for participants to leave with knowledge of protein sources, and
preparation skills. Protein Per Dollar uses consumer education to
reduce common barriers to protein consumption. The end goal of
hunger education programs is for participants to be able to quickly
choose the best food option for their income level, and lifestyle and
will feel confident preparing that food.
Social Environment
Technology is giving consumers the ability to be more informed than
ever before. Scanning and food diary apps are available on every smart
phone. Market research has shown that consumers want to be more
informed, to save money, and to be healthier. Unemployment rates
have stabilized in the past few years, but 14% of Americans are living
below the poverty line. These conditions create an environment where
free, easily accessible, and understandable information is necessary for
consumer confidence.
What Impacts Poor Protein Consumption
Barriers to Protein
Consumption:
Expense
Inflation
Food Security
Poor Knowledge
of Non-Meat Sources
There are many barriers to adequate protein consumption. Foods
which support a healthy diet are more expensive than foods that
increase the risk of obesity and disease. High quality animal proteins
have seen unprecedented price inflations when compared with
inflation rates of non-protein foods. Food security remains an issue for
those in lower socioeconomic groups. High fat, sugar, and refined
carbohydrate foods have a higher satiety value, than nutrient-dense
protein foods.
High Cost
It is widely acknowledged that nutrient dense foods have a higher cost
than energy dense foods. Nutrient dense foods are associated with
longevity, higher quality of life, and a lower risk of disease
(Monsivais). Whole grains, lean meats, low fat dairy products, fruits
and vegetables are considered nutrient dense foods. Foods high in
sugar, fat and refined grains are considered energy dense foods. Foods
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Protein Per Dollar: White Paper
that support a healthy diet are associated with both a higher cost, and a
higher inflation rate.
High nutrient dense foods
have an inflation rate 200%
higher than the energy dense
foods.
Foods commonly found in grocery stores have been rated for nutrient
density, the foods rating in the top quadrant for nutrient density
averaged $27 per 1000 calories; while foods rated in the lowest
quadrant for nutrient density (energy dense foods) averaged $3.20 per
1000 calories (Monsivais).
Inflation
Food inflation rates in the United States average 1.5 to 2.0 percent
every year. Foods which rate in the top quadrant for nutrient density
have shown an inflation rate double that of those in the lowest
quadrant of nutrient dense foods. In 2014 protein dense foods were
associated with exceptionally high inflation rates: Beef, veal, pork,
eggs, fish, seafood, and dairy. Beef has risen a minimum of 18% since
2013(White), and eggs have increased approximately 14% (USDA).
This leads one to the accepted conclusion that foods which support a
healthy active lifestyle are both more expensive, and increase in price
more rapidly than energy dense foods. These economic factors
introduce a barrier between low income individuals or households and
healthful diets.
Food Security
The majority of US households have secure access to food and are able
to fulfill their nutrient requirements. Those who are at or below the
poverty line are the ones who struggle with food security. Food
security is the ability of all members in a household to access enough
food for the maintained of a healthy active lifestyle. Food security is
an ever present issue in the United States.
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Food Security Trends in The USA 1995-2014
(USDA ERS - Food Price Outlook)
In 2014, the official poverty rate was 14.8 percent. There were 46.7
million people in poverty (United). This rate has not changed
substantially in the last four years. Individuals who at on or below the
poverty line must make daily decisions on where their money can be
spent; if shelter, medical needs, clothing, school suppliers, or food is
the most important. In 2014 the level of households struggling with
food security was also 14% (household).
Food inflation rates have a greater impact on lower income
households. As income increases the dollar amount spent on food also
increases, however the percentage of income spent on food remains
the same. Households with moderate to high income spend around
11% of that income on food, while households in poverty spend
upwards of 25% of their total income on food (Darmon). Studies
which examine the motivation behind consumer food purchases show
taste, price, and convenience are the highest influencing factors for the
general population. The highest influencing factor for those in poverty
is, unsurprisingly, price.
Households with moderate
to high income spend around
11% of that income on food,
while households in poverty
spend upwards of 25% of
their total income on food.
Consumer Confidence
Economic status does have an impact on which foods are purchased;
however it does not impact consumer opinions on the importance of a
nutritious diet (Darmon). Grocery store studies have found that
socioeconomic status is directly related to the purchase of vegetables,
foods high in protein, and fiber (Appelhans). Fruits and vegetables are
associated with high prices, low income individuals may not even
consider their purchase as attainable. Those with higher incomes
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Protein Per Dollar: White Paper
purchase more vegetables, high protein, and high fiber foods, while
those with lower incomes purchase fewer vegetables, high protein and
high fiber foods (Appelhans). Consumers understand the importance
of, and have a desire for a healthy nutritious diet; however their ability
to consume a nutritious diet is directly facilitated or impeded by their
economic status.
Dollar vs Gram Satiety Values
Gram for gram nutrient dense foods that are high in protein have
higher rates of satiety than energy dense foods (Ortinau). While dollar
for dollar energy dense foods have higher satiety values than nutrient
dense foods, meaning they make an individual feel more full for a
longer period of time at a lower cost. This increases the likelihood of
consumption of energy dense foods by those in poverty (Thompson).
Federal food assistance
SNAP benefits may be
used to purchase: Soft
drinks, candy, cookies,
snack crackers, ice
cream, bakery cakes and
energy drinks.
How has Food Insecurity Been Handled in the
Past?
Federal food assistance programs have been the solution to food
insecurity since 1964 (Supplemental). Programs such as the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, help food
insecure individuals and households to afford food (Coleman). SNAP
provide benefits to millions of Americans. The program is beneficial
for those who struggle with food security, but it does not ensure the
purchase of nutrient dense foods and a healthful diet. SNAP benefits
may be used to purchase energy dense foods. Foods that are approved
for purchase with SNAP include: Soft drinks, candy, cookies, snack
crackers, ice cream, bakery cakes and energy drinks (Supplemental).
These foods are energy dense and do not support a healthy active
lifestyle. Energy dense foods are associated with greater risks of
obesity, and obesity related diseases. There is a strong association
between poverty and obesity, created in part by the low cost of energy
dense foods. Food assistance programs prevent starvation, and related
illness however these programs do not necessarily provide
beneficiaries with education or skill training.
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What to Look for in a Food Security Education Program
Finding the right program to address the needs in a specific
community can be a challenge. Here are some idea components for a
community education program.
● Simple Concise Lesson Plan: Is the program built in a way
that allows presenters to quickly understand how to teach the
main education principles?
● Benefit all Learners: Does the program contain multiple
resources for all levels (Literacy level) and types of learners
(Kinesthetic, auditory, visual)? A good program will have both
visual aides like graphics, talking points for presenters, and
physical demonstrations.
● Take Away: A good program will include Materials for
participants to take with them. These allow participants to
check back on what they have learned. No one remembers
everything said in a presentation, take away materials ensure
participants have access to the information they need.
Protein Per Dollar Specifics
The protein will be measured
in grams per dollar instead of
the traditional method of
grams per serving.
How is this Program Different?
Protein Per Dollar is an education program that teaches consumers
alternate sources of quality proteins, how to read nutrition labels, and
basic skills required for food preparation. Protein per Dollar will split
protein foods into three categories: animal products, plant products,
and meal replacements. The protein will be measured in grams per
dollar instead of the traditional method of grams per serving.
Understanding the implications of protein quality and price can help a
lower income consumer make the best health choices for what they
can afford, and introduce them to sources they may not have known as
protein sources. This ranking system has not been used before, and
could beneficially impact not only individual needs, but also
community groups.
How will the Presentation Work?
The demonstration will include a talk, an educational poster,
individual handouts, samples and cookbooks. These tools will address
individuals of all learning types living in a lower socioeconomic class.
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Protein Per Dollar: White Paper
The intended purpose is to provide a resource for preventing food
scarcity, increasing necessary protein consumption, and increasing
knowledge on what their individual protein needs are. Once a
presentation site has been found, the education materials will be sent to
the presenter.
When Presentation are given leaders will look for risk groups
including: high school graduates, individuals at abused women
shelters, sub-elite athletes, those newly released from prison,
individuals receiving benefits from food assistance programs, new
immigrants, individuals in low-income housing, those living on
reservations, and those living in rural or civil food desserts.
Education Materials
The PowerPoint will illustrate why protein is a necessary component
of the diet with easy to understand graphics. It will explain the three
categories of protein foods. It will identify how and why the foods in
the three categories were chosen.
The handouts will assist individuals in developing the skills to choose
high protein, low cost foods. They will double as portable resource to
use when planning meals, or at the store.
The recipe books will provide information on simple techniques using
basic ingredients and basic equipment such as a stove, to incorporate
low cost high protein foods into their diets in a variety of ways. The
recipes will include grams of protein, other nutritional information,
and average cost per serving. Food samples of some of the recipes will
be provided to allow individuals participating to taste recipes using
lesser-known, high quality protein sources
A free phone app with a barcode scan feature will be created to help
individuals who are out shopping and need guidance when making
quick decisions. The app will contain a point or badge system to
encourage use.
Education Examples
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Why Protein is Necessary
Protein is found in every tissue in all living things. It is best known for
its role in muscle development and maintenance. Proteins are
chemically unique from lipids and carbohydrates because they contain
a nitrogen group which is readily utilized by the body (Thompson).
Protein is necessary for many body functions: metabolism, immunity,
fluid/electrolyte balance, PH control, nutrient transport, hormone
production, enzyme production, and as secondary energy source.
Proteins are made of various combinations of 20 different amino acids,
11 of these are synthesized in the body, but 9 are considered essential
meaning they must be consumed in the diet (Thompson).
How to Read Nutrition Labels
This graphic will be placed in
the brochure, allowing
participants to practice, and
make note for future reference.
(Sample)
Alternate Sources of Protein
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Animal products
● Dairy: Cheese, yogurt, milk
● Eggs
● Organ Meats
Plant products
● Nuts: almond butter, almonds, cashews, chia seeds, hazelnuts,
mixed nuts, peanut butter, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, pumpkin
seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts
● Legumes: bean burgers, black beans, black-eyed peas,
chickpeas (garbanzo beans), edamame, falafel, hummus
(chickpea spread), kidney beans, lentils, lima beans (mature),
navy beans, pinto beans
● Soy Products: soy beans, split peas, white beans, tempeh,
texturized vegetable protein (tvp), tofu, veggie burgers (I)
Meal Replacements
● Shakes: Ensure, Atkins, Boost, Special K
● Meal Bars
● Powder
Problems Protein Per Dollar Addresses
Problem
The original high
price of meat protein
sources & meat
inflation rates
Food insecurity
Feature
Education on nonmeat
protein sources and
their preparation
Nutrition label
illiteracy
Individualized
strategies which target
affordable protein
sources
Food samples, and
information on gram for
gram nutrient density vs
gram for dollar
Easy to understand
graphics
Low confidence in
purchasing ability
Portable consumer
resources
Satiety of high fat
high sugar foods
Benefit
Enables the purchase
of more hunger sating
protein for lower
costs
Maximizes smaller
food budgets
Assures consumers
they will get their
money’s worth, and
won’t go hungry
Simplifies the process
of deciding whether a
food has a high
protein content
Saves time,
consumers can check
food items before
purchasing.
Protein Per Dollar Compared to Current Relief Programs
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Community based health care is growing in popularity; however it is
still relatively new to the market. The majority of individuals who
receive federal assistance are older adults, and they receive some relief
from food in security. Unfortunately college students and young single
mothers make up the majority of those who fall below the poverty line
(Iverson). While the median of hours worked for those groups is 32
hours/week, and the majority work two or more jobs, they still suffer
from food insecurity. Many federal assistance programs are aimed
toward helping the elderly, Protein Per Dollar is focused on providing
relief from food insecurity for all these groups.
Food Banks provide relief for the food insecure. When satisfaction
rates for food bank recipients are studied, they are inherently positive.
Households which contain small children and that are foodbank
recipients are often in a very-low food security category even after
food bank assistance is provided. While food banks are clearly
beneficial they do not solve food insecurity. Other measures must be
taken, including education for those recipients on how to stretch their
food budget. Food security education programs provide a clearly
needed education resource for these families.
Technology improvement is creating a vastly different healthcare
environment. Individuals can record food intakes, analyze their
workouts, check insurance claims, or meet face to face with a nurse
without leaving their homes.Shopping assistance apps allow
consumers to shop smarter without having to spend time planning for
their grocery store trip; boosting consumer efficiency and health at the
same time. Individuals who use health apps experience more positive
changes with their diet, and exercise regimens (Gilliand).
Hands on cooking demonstrations, and how to videos give kinastetic
learners an opportunity to learn, and boost confidence for all
participants. Cooking skills are being taught less frequently in
elementary, middle and high schools. This trend is impacting the food
literacy, cooking skills, and knowledge about how foods are grown
and harvested (Thomas). The young adult population is experiencing a
“de-skilling” of cooking resulting from the lack of introduction to
kitchen skills. Hands on cooking demonstrations, and sampling have a
positive impact on participant behaviors and knowledge of cooking:
Increased nutrient dense food consumption, increased food safety
technique use, high self-efficacy, and lower amounts spent on food
(Thomas).
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Contact Us
Protein Per Dollar meets an ever present community need in a new and
innovative way. For more information please email
Rachel.iverson@ndsu.edu or check out our website at
www.happynutritionfitness.com
References
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