Frequency of selection of food groups by low-income families in southwestern Mississippi.

Food resources and frequency of food use of 1,000 households in Claiborne County in southwestern Mississippi were studied and related to income and educational level of the family heads. Income and educational levels of the family heads were much lower than the national average. The data on food frequency use indicated that the meal patterns of these households could not provide sufficient nutrients for individual family members. Income and educational levels of the family heads correlated highly with food frequency scores. The households with higher incomes and more education had better food consumption patterns than those with lower incomes and less education. However, income had more effect on low nutrient intake than education.