Decision of SNAP Recipients to Consume More Vegetables: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to empirically test the antecedents of behavioral intention in vegetable consumption behavior among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients based on the theory of planned behavior and to find a strategy to boost vegetable consumption. Two hundred and eighty-seven participants were recruited and interviewed by telephone, and 176 completed the survey questionnaire. In contrast to the conventional theory of planned behavior, the results of this study showed that attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control did not predict intention to eat more vegetables, but attitude, intention, and perceived behavioral control predicted the behavior of consuming vegetables. The findings of this study suggest that intervention by vegetable recipe cards had a significant influence on SNAP recipients' desires to eat more vegetables.