Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

The transformation of the food environment has increased intakes of processed foods high in nutrients of public health concern (e.g., saturated fats, sugar, sodium) resulting in poor diet quality (DQ), a leading risk factor of death and disability from chronic diseases. Food literacy (FL) describes how individuals navigate their food environment using knowledge, learned skills and practices. Previous studies that explore the predictors of FL and the extent to which FL influences DQ did not examine the general population using validated tools. This research will determine independent predictors of FL and assess the relationship between FL and DQ. I will conduct a cross-sectional study among a representative sample of the Canadian population using the online Canadian Nutrition and Health Survey. Inclusion criteria are Canadian adults who are ?18 years old, own a computer and have access to the internet and email; with sampling reflecting the Canadian census data. Participants will answer sociodemographic questions and complete the 23-item Canadian Food Literacy Measure to assess dimensions of FL. Participants will complete two 24-hour recalls for dietary intake assessment using the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Canada dietary recall tool on two randomly selected days following survey completion. DQ will be assessed using the Healthy Eating Food Index to score how well diet aligns with Canada’s Food Guide. Linear regressions will be used to determine associations between FL and DQ controlling for covariates, with separate analyses by sociodemographic variables. The data from this study will equip policymakers, health professionals and educators in designing targeted interventions to improve FL, promoting healthy eating habits and improving health outcomes.