Review of Journal Article

Name : Trinity Lee

Title of Article : Food Choices, Food security, and Food Policy
Author and Brief background : Carolyn Dimitri and Stephanie Rogus.
Dimitri is an associate professor of food studies at New York University.
Rogus of New York University, NY NYU with expertise in Consumer
Economics, Social Policy, Quantitative Social Research.
Journal Title and Vol Number : Journal of International Affairs Vol. 67 No. 2
Date of submission : April 27, 2018
MY REVIEW
Introduction
Economics, nutrition, and public health has much research on the factors that
influence food choices and attempts to understand the factors contributing to
low food security. Economic factors, such as prices and income,
influence food choices and food security. Access and availability of food does
as well. Yet behavioral factors--such as the physical environment and
marketing strategies, including package size and product placement--have
equal importance. The policies in place today are only partially effective in
changing diet and enhancing food security, particularly for low-income
consumers. The article argues that increasing access to food through
monetary means and enhanced food availability is important and essential,
on their own these instruments are inadequate to reduce food insecurity. The
article explains how policies must begin to address the third crucial element:
the behavioral factors that influence our food choices.

Development
Research shows that the food environment, or the availability of food stores
in a neighborhood and the types and prices of products they carry, has a
particularly substantial influence on diet quality for low-income individuals.
Businesses make their location decisions based on profit potential; location
decisions lead to variability in the types of food stores and restaurants
available from one neighborhood to another. Fewer chain stores are located
in urban areas, which may result from relatively high development costs, high
crime rates, and high security costs in such areas. Evidence and logic both
suggest that the availability of food stores within a neighborhood would be
the dominant influence on food choice, which makes a great deal of sense.
However, studies indicate that residents often travel outside of their
neighborhood to buy food, suggesting that proximity to food stores may not
be the best determinant of food choice. Yet there is some evidence that the
physical presence of food stores within a neighborhood influences diet and
weight status. At the most basic economic level, decisions about which foods
to buy are based on cost, taste or preference, convenience, and nutritional
value. In isolation, price has been found to be the most important factor in
food buying decisions. Yet the decisions made by consumers depend on
more than just price, as price is perceived in relation to other values such as
convenience (ease of access, time-saving, or labor-saving), quality,
healthfulness, and family preferences. Decisions related to the quantity of
food consumed are influenced by consumption norms, the ability to monitor
food intake, the effort necessary to consume food, and the eating
 atmosphere. People rely on consumption norms such as typical package and
plate sizes, the amount of food normally bought or consumed by the
individual, or the volume of food or liquid consumed by others, to help
determine how much they should consume.

Conclusion
While many insist on education as a solution for changing food choice
behavior, this article proves this as an overrated approach. While there is
value in educating children and adults about their diets, the multiple forces
working on a food shopper and consumer create an environment in
which food choices are made mindlessly and habitually, regardless of
"knowing better." Furthermore, the article argues that increasing access
through monetary means and enhanced food availability is important and
essential, but on their own these tools prove inadequate to reduce food
insecurity, particularly when food and diet quality are considered. The third
crucial element is behavioral, which consists of the factors that influence what
kinds of food, and how much is consumed. Policies must directly attempt to
change behavior, in addition to those currently supporting increased
geographic and economic access, to fully address food security. I chose this
article because I want to minor in psychology and this article has a lot to do
with behavioral and cognitive psychology. The environment can impact
someone’s food choices as well as someone’s biological background. I found
this article very interesting and surprising that we choose our foods not
necessarily because we want it, but because it’s convenient and inexpensive.

Dimitri, C., & Rogus, S. (2014). Food choices, food security, and food policy. Journal of International
Affairs, 67(2), 19+. Retrieved from
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A367419265/SUIC?u=tel_k_bearhigh&xid=b75885e8
 Rubrics for Assessing Journal Article Review

Grading Description of Quality of Work

Very clear focus and clarity of thoughts and expression. Key points
are well developed and described in detail. Excellent analysis of
article content that is discerning, in-depth and supported by both
pedagogical and personal knowledge. Ability to relate content to
one’s role and competencies as a teacher is demonstrated in an
outstanding manner. There is a high quality of reflection as can be
Excellent (A)
seen in the ability to relate to one’s values, beliefs and experiences
to the content of the article. The reviewer is able to suggest how
80 and above
the information and knowledge could be adopted or adapted
innovatively to enhance or improve teaching and learning.
Personal insights and views that are expressed show that the
reviewer has thought critically and reflectively about the article and
the effects on his/her role as a teacher.

The review is clear, well organized with logical sequencing and

elaboration of key points. All key points are adequately detailed
and there is in-depth analysis of some of the points. Good effort
Very Good (B)
has also been made to relate the content of the article to one’s role
and competencies as a teacher and interesting ideas were
70 - 79
proposed for improving or enhancing teaching and learning.
Insights and discoveries made show a good understanding of the
article content and that that the reviewer has made good effort to
reflect on his/her values, beliefs and experiences.

There is adequate analysis of the article content but with some

points detailed more than others. Relationship is drawn between
Good (C) some key points and one’s role and competencies as a teacher.
The reviewer was able to suggest how the information and
60 - 69 knowledge could be applied in teaching and learning to improve or
enhance current practices. Overall, the review is satisfactory in
that it shows an overall understanding of the content and the ability
to reflect on the content to obtain adequate benefits as a teacher.

Unsatisfactory The review is lacking in focus and clarity of expression. Key points
(F) not elaborated upon and details are minimal. Little analysis of
content. Minimal reflection and insights given.
Below 60