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The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between food security, social capital, and social support among urban food pantry users in Cincinnati. In-person interviews with 53 participants were completed using the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module, Social Capital questionnaire, and Social Support questionnaire. Social capital was assessed through four subscales using a Likert scale, with a response range 1 to 4, and social support was measured by rating significant others' emotional, informational, and instrumental support as well as companionship (ranged from 0 to 4). The findings suggested that there were no significant associations among them. This may be due to a small sample size. Thus, the associations need to be examined with a larger sample. Further, a qualitative approach may be necessary to explore the contextual nature of social capital and social support related to food security.

This study explored the learning styles of older adult females (65 + years) as compared to younger adult females (35-55 years) in the areas of immediate environment, emotionality, sociological needs and physical needs. At recreation community centers, 80 subjects were selected on a non-random basis, with one-half falling in each age category. Each subject was individually questioned using the Productivity Environmental Preference Survey, which analyzes a personal preference for each of 20 elements and identifies how adults prefer to function, learn, concentrate and perform in their educational or occupational activities. An analysis by t test showed a significant difference between the two groups in the elements of light, learning alone--peer oriented, authority figures present, and evening--morning. When the elements were combined and treated by discriminant analysis, most of these findings were confirmed, showing a significant difference in five elements: light, motivation, responsibility, learning alone--peer oriented, evening--morning. These findings might be useful to nutrition educators when developing nutrition programs for the elderly.