Leveraging Machine Learning for Wellbeing Research in Marketing: Enhancing Federal Nutrition Programs and Food Decision-Making

Machine learning offers innovative tools to enhance research on federal nutrition programs and food decision-making, moving beyond traditional methods. Algorithms extract key features to pinpoint potential program issues, allowing for more refined predictions about participation and behavior using large-scale data, unlike prior studies that typically rely on controlled lab settings. We propose a case study using machine learning to predict participation in a major nutrition education program, with implications for diet quality and food security. Validation of machine learning insights will involve qualitative research and surveys. This approach demonstrates the potential for connecting wellbeing research and marketing by offering deeper insights into participant behavior and program effectiveness, which can inform marketing strategies for promoting healthier food choices and improving public health outcomes

Telework and Food Insecurity in the United States

Nearly 20% of Americans telework or work from home. Telework has the potential to impact household food insecurity by reducing household time constraints and increasing household disposable income and time flexibility. Using data from the Household Pulse Survey, this study analyzes the association between telework and food insecurity in the United States. Two-stage least squares results indicate the association between telework and food insecurity varies with income. Telework is associated with reduced food insecurity among households with income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) and increased food insecurity among households with income below 100% FPL

Determinants of US household expenditures on fortified fruit juice

Fortified fruit juice represents a growing segment in the otherwise contracting juice industry. Health concerns and changing food policy have driven US consumers to demand fruit juice fortified with micronutrients. Fruit-juice manufacturers have responded by expanding their portfolio to include juice products fortified with vitamins and minerals. This study is the first to analyze determinants of US household expenditures on fortified fruit juice. Collectively, results indicate fruit-juice fortification is a viable strategy for improving public health among demographic subgroups that are disproportionately vulnerable or at-risk for nutrient deficiencies. Findings suggest that fruit-juice manufacturers’ fortification efforts are improving the nutritional intake of toddlers and children but are less effective at reaching other demographic subgroups (rural and minority-headed households) with high nutrient-deficiency incidence. Manufacturers should consider employing targeted marketing and outreach efforts to maximize improvement in dietary quality among fruit-juice consumers

Determinants of US household expenditures on fortified fruit juice

Fortified fruit juice represents a growing segment in the otherwise contracting juice industry. Health concerns and changing food policy have driven US consumers to demand fruit juice fortified with micronutrients. Fruit-juice manufacturers have responded by expanding their portfolio to include juice products fortified with vitamins and minerals. This study is the first to analyze determinants of US household expenditures on fortified fruit juice. Collectively, results indicate fruit-juice fortification is a viable strategy for improving public health among demographic subgroups that are disproportionately vulnerable or at-risk for nutrient deficiencies. Findings suggest that fruit-juice manufacturers’ fortification efforts are improving the nutritional intake of toddlers and children but are less effective at reaching other demographic subgroups (rural and minority-headed households) with high nutrient-deficiency incidence. Manufacturers should consider employing targeted marketing and outreach efforts to maximize improvement in dietary quality among fruit-juice consumers

Rethinking Demand for A Varied Diet: The Role of Convenience Foods in Diversity Indices

The objective of this study is to develop a group based food diversity index that classifies convenience foods based on the basic food items they contain. This group based food diversity index is then applied to examine the relationship between the demand for food diversity, food expenditures and household characteristics. Further, findings using the new group based food diversity measure are compared to those obtained using a product code based food diversity index. Results are forthcoming

Participant Demographics down the Venture Development Funnel

A Presentation during the GAME Center Workshop at USIU Afric