Awareness and Perception of Plant-Based Diets at an Urban Community College

Despite well-documented health and environmental benefits of consuming minimally processed plant-based foods, research on how to educate and promote a plant-based diet (PBD) for diverse community college students is lacking. Understanding awareness and perception of a PBD is important prior to the creation of dietary interventions. A survey including a food frequency questionnaire and novel scales to gauge awareness and perception of PBDs was developed and implemented. Results demonstrated students were generally aware of PBD and its key components, recognized associated health benefits, had a positive perception of a PBD, yet few were actively adherent and demonstrated confusion with PBD terms.