UMaine Seeks Participants for Food Insecurity and Protein Study
UMaine Seeks Seniors in Rural Maine for Protein and Food Security Study
Calais and Milo, ME – The University of Maine is seeking participants for a research study exploring the link between protein intake and food insecurity among older adults in rural Maine.
Adults aged 60 and older who regularly attend group lunches at the Community Cafes in Calais and Milo are invited to participate. The study, led by graduate student Chesley Ferris in the UMaine School of Food and Agriculture, aims to better understand the nutritional needs of seniors in these communities.
“We’re particularly interested in how protein intake might be affected by food insecurity,” says Ferris. “This research could help inform programs and policies aimed at improving the health and well-being of older adults in rural Maine.”
To be eligible, participants must reside in Washington or Piscataquis counties, speak English, be able to chew solid foods, and have visited the Community Cafes in Milo or Calais at least once a month. Individuals who have been advised by a medical professional to follow a low-protein diet are not eligible.
Participation involves completing a brief screener and questionnaire, taking approximately 15-20 minutes, at the Community Cafes. Participants who complete the questionnaire will receive $20 as compensation for their time. All data collected will be kept confidential, and participation is entirely voluntary.
Interested individuals or those with questions about the study can contact Chesley Ferris at elizabeth.c.ferris@maine.edu or 207-631-8520. For general inquiries, contact Professor Mary Ellen Camire at camire@maine.edu.
UMaine Researchers Investigate Protein Intake and Food Security in Rural Seniors
Calais and Milo, ME – In an effort to understand the nutritional needs of older adults in rural Maine, the University of Maine is conducting a study exploring the connection between protein intake and food insecurity among seniors.
Graduate student Chesley Ferris,leading the research within the UMaine School of Food and Agriculture,emphasizes the importance of this research.”We’re particularly interested in how protein intake might be affected by food insecurity,” says Ferris. “This research could help inform programs and policies aimed at improving the health and well-being of older adults in rural Maine.”
The study is focused on adults aged 60 and older who regularly attend group lunches at the Community Cafes in Calais and Milo.
Eligibility requirements include residency in Washington or Piscataquis counties, English fluency, the ability to chew solid foods, and at least monthly attendance at the mentioned Community Cafes. Individuals advised by a medical professional to follow a low-protein diet are not eligible.
Participation involves a brief screener and questionnaire, taking approximately 15-20 minutes at the Community cafes. As a token of gratitude, participants receive $20 for their time. The confidentiality of all collected data is guaranteed, and participation is entirely voluntary.
For more details or to participate, interested individuals can contact Chesley Ferris directly at elizabeth.c.ferris@maine.edu or 207-631-8520. General inquiries can be directed to Professor Mary Ellen Camire at camire@maine.edu.