Research

Shannon N. Zenk, PhD, MPH, RN, Funded Projects

Evaluating the Impact of a WIC Food Package Revision on Retailer Participation and Fruit/Vegetable Supply Characteristics in Northern Illinois

Funding Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Healthy Eating Research

Dates: 4/30/09-10/31/10

Principal Investigator: Shannon Zenk

Co-Investigators: Angela Odoms-Young (UIC), Richard T. Campbell (UIC), Lisa M. Powell (UIC), Noel Chavez (UIC), Marian Fitzgibbon (UIC), Daniel Block (Chicago State University)

Abstract: This study examines the impact of the addition of the WIC fruit and vegetable benefit on the WIC retail food environment in Northern Illinois.

Relationship Between Perceived and Objective Food Environments, Dietary Intake, and Weight Status in Latino Families

Funding Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Healthy Eating Research

Dates: 10/1/08-9/30/10

Principal Investigator: Angela Odoms-Young (UIC)

Co-Investigators: Shannon Zenk, Marian Fitzgibbon (UIC), Michael Berbaum (UIC), Marianne Mason (Northwestern University)

Abstract: This study examines the role of neighborhood food environments in dietary intake and risk for overweight in Latino children.

Activity Space Envirnoments, Behaviors, and Body Weight Status in Urban Adults

Funding Source: National Institute of Nursing Research

Dates: 9/28/07-5/31/10

Principal Investigator: Shannon Zenk

Co-Investigators: JoEllen Wilbur (Rush University), Carol Braunschweig (University of Illinois at Chicago), Richard T. Campbell (University of Illinois at Chicago), Stephen Matthews (Penn State University), Amy J. Schulz (University of Michigan)

Abstract: This award supports training for the PI in behavioral aspects of obesity and pilot research on the contributions of activity-space environmental resources and risks to racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in obesity and related health behaviors.

Healthy Environments Partnership: Lean and Green in Motown

Healthy Environments Partnership: Lean & Green in Motown

Funding Source: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Dates: 7/1/05-7/31/11

Principal Investigator: Amy J. Schulz (University of Michigan)

Co-Investigators: Barbara A. Israel (University of Michigan), Robert Marans (University of Michigan), Graciela Mentz (University of Michigan), Denise White-Perkins (Henry Ford Health System), Jean Wineman (University of Michigan), Shannon N. Zenk

Abstract: The goal of this project it to assess factors associated with the built environment and obesity in African-American, Latino, and White residents of Detroit and conduct interventions to address these factors.

Stress-Environment Interactions and Weight-Related Behaviors in Urban African-American and Hispanic Women

Funding Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholars Program

Dates: 9/1/10-8/31/13

Abstract: This project examines the extent to which the interaction between daily stress and environmental characteristics contributes to between-individual differences in behaviors in African-American and Hispanic women, as well as the role of stress in shaping within-individual day-to-day eating and activity decisions in these groups.

Evaluating Economic Subsidies to Improve Dietary Intake among Low-Income Families

Funding Source: National Cancer Institute

Dates: 9/30/09-8/31/11

Principal Investigator: Marian Fitzgibbon

Co-Investigators: Shannon Zenk, Angela Odoms-Young, Michael Berbaum

Abstract: This study examines the mechanisms by which economic subsidies in a food assistance program (WIC) impact dietary intake of multiethnic low-income families.

Does a New Supermarket Improve Dietary Behaviors of Low-Income African Americans?

Funding Source: National Cancer Institute

Dates: 6/1/10-5/31/15

Principal Investigator: Tamara Dubowitz (Rand Corporation)

Co-Investigators: Shannon Zenk; Deborah Cohen, Bonnie Ghosh-Dastidar, Shannah Tharp-Taylor, Ashlesha Datar, Steven Martino (Rand Corporation); Lisa Bodnar (University of Pittsburg)

Abstract: The study evaluates the impact of a new supermarket on dietary behaviors in low-income African Americans.

Bridging the Gap: ImpacTeen Project (#3)

Funding Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Dates : 11/1/05-11/30/12

Principal Investigator: Frank Chaloupka

Co-Investigators: Shannon Zenk, Jamie Chriqui, Sherry Emery, Euna Han, Margaret Loudermilk, Kerry Lowrey, Punam Ohri-Vachaspati, Lisa Powell, Sandy Slater, John Tauras, Lindsey Turner

Abstract: The obesity component of this project identifies state-, community- and school-level policies, programs, and environmental influences on diet, physical activity, and obesity among youth.

Website: http://www.impacteen.org/aboutus.htm

Subsidies to Improve Dietary Intake Among Low Income Families

Funding Source: National Cancer Institute

Dates : 9/30/09-8/31/11

Role on the Project : co-investigator

Principal Investigator: Marion Fitzgibbon

Abstract: This application addresses broad Challenge Area (05) Comparative Effectiveness Research and specific Challenge Topic, 05-MD-101: Social Determinants of Health. In an effort to improve dietary intake and address the high prevalence of obesity among low-income children, the US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) published an interim rule in the Federal Register revising the food packages in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC). WIC provides supplemental food to more than 8 million low-income children women. In response to recommendations from the Institutes of Medicine, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service proposed to align WIC food packages with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Among the revisions are changes in the fat content (e.g., reduced fat milk) and the fiber content (e.g., whole grain bread) of foods approved for purchase with WIC vouchers and the addition of a monthly fruit and vegetable voucher. These proposed changes will go into effect in August 2009. We propose to examine the effect of the revised WIC program on consumption of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and reduced-fat foods by low-income children compared to consumption levels under the current WIC program, and we will examine the individual, interpersonal, and community mechanisms that affect dietary intake over the course of the study. The proposed study is important for several reasons. 1) It provides a rare opportunity to evaluate the impact of a national policy shift in food assistance to support healthy eating in low- income families. This national policy shift has the potential to improve healthful eating and may be particularly important in addressing diet-related health disparities, particularly obesity, among low-income individuals. 2) Policymakers are increasingly expressing interest in the use of economic subsidies to improve dietary intake and health outcomes. From a comparative effectiveness perspective, we will be able to assess whether improving access to healthy food changes food intake and ultimately, weight status. 3) The proposed study will build on a pilot project (Chicago WIC Food Environment Survey) we are currently conducting in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), which is responsible for WIC administration in the state, and the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the group responsible for WIC distribution in Chicago.

Healthy Environments Partnership: Lean & Green in Motown

Funding Source: University of Michigan

Dates : 7/1/05-7/31/11

Role on the Project : co-investigator

Abstract: This project examines relationships between the built environment and obesity in African-American, Latino, and White residents of Detroit.