Food Issues Study

By Charlie Compton

Bowling Green, KY – As Kentuckians gather around the table this Thanksgiving, they are concerned about the food they eat. A study from the University of Kentucky says consumers worry abut food safety, the quality of their food, and its variety. Researcher Keiko Tanaka says many want more locally grown foods.

Some consumers with a higher income have a better access to those local food, but even those shoppers with lower income level, they say they would like to, they would like to have those healthier foods be more accessible and cheaper.

Tanaka's students interviewed consumers at five Lexington food retailers. Out of the 332 people interviewed, 316 say nutrition and health is important to them. 290 say affordability is important.