ERG HVAC ASSESSMENT CENTER INC

PUROK-4A Brgy. 5, Sanfrancisco, Agusan Del Sur

FOOD VOUCHER AND HEALTHY CHOICES:

A Quantitative Research
presented to the Faculty of Accountancy Business and Management
ERG HVAC ASSESSMENT CENTER INC.
Barangay 5, purok-4A, San Francisco Agusan Del Sur

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in

RESEARCHER:
CAYDAN, ROSEL D.
PEPITO, AIRA JANE L.
MANADA, DIVINE GRACE H.
ALCALDE, CYRUS SYLVESTER
OPON, JOMMELL NIÑO A.

ACCOUNTACY AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (ABM)

CYREL O. MISANES
Research Adviser

FEBRUARY 2025
 ABSTRACT

This research examines the effectiveness of food voucher and complementary healthy

eating initiatives in improving the dietary habits and nutritional status of low-income families.

The study investigates whether providing financial assistance for food purchases combined

with educational programs promoting healthy food choices and cooking skills leads to

significant changes in food consumptions patterns and overall help outcomes. Quantitative data

will be collected to analyze changes in dietary intake measured through food frequency

questioner’s biochemical indicators, while Qualitative data from interviews and focus groups

will explore the lived experience of participating families and their perceptions of the programs

impact.

A core objective is to determine the extent to which food voucher facilitate access to a

wider variety of nutrition foods, particularly fresh produce and whole grains, often lacking in

the diets of low- income household. The research will also assess the effectiveness of different

educational strategies and promoting long-term behavioral changes, considering factors such

as cultural sensitivity, learning style, and the practical challenges faced by families in preparing

healthy meals on a limited budget. The study will analyze whether the combined intervention

is more effective than food vouchers alone in improving dietary quality and reducing health

disparities.

The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the design and

implementation of effective food assistance programs. By understanding the strengths and

limitations of integrating food vouchers with healthy eating initiatives, policymakers and
program administrators can developed more targeted and impactful strategies to address food

insecurity and promote healthier eating habits among low- income families, ultimately

contributing to improved public health outcomes and reducing health inequalities.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researcher would like to express their sincere gratitude to all those who have

contributed to the completion of this research.

To the great provider, the almighty God for the countless gifts, knowledge, wisdom,

and good health that made the study possible.

To Ms. CYREL O. MISANES, practical research 1 adviser for the support, patience,

encouragement, suggestions and guidance, throughout the preparation for the success of this

study.

To our dear Parents for their spiritual, moral, encouragement and financial support

successfully overcome all difficulties encountered during the conduct of the study.

To our beloved respondent’s thank you for your time ideas you give to us your

knowledge and information will contribute to the success of this study. We would like also to

thank our school administrator and our school principal for allowing us to conduct this study.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT
PRELIMINATION PAGE
Title Page………………………………………………….………………………………. i
Abstract…..…….…………………………………………………………………………. ii
Acknowledgement………………………………………………………………………... iii
Table of contents……...……………………………………………………………………iv
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study ……….……………………………………………………….. 1-2
Statement of the problem…………….…………………………………………………….3
Significance of the study……..…….…………….………………………………………..4
Scope and limitation ……………………………………………………………………….5
Time and place of the study …………….…………………………………………………6
Hypothesis…..……………………………………………………………………………...7
Conceptual framework ………………...……………………………….………………….8
REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE …………………………………….…………9-11
METHODOLOGY
Research Design………….……………………………………………………………….13
Research Respondents ………………..…………………………………………………..14
Research Instrument …………………………….………………………………………..15
Data Gathering Procedure ………………………………………………………………..16
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND LITERATURE CITED
Summary ………...……………………………………………………………………….17
Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………….18
Literature Cited ……..……………………………………………………………………19

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 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research is made with the aim to provide information and knowledge regarding

the chosen topic from finding of this study will serve reference for various group of people

which include the following:

ADMINISTRATOR: The result of this study will provide them knowledge of the

specific topic of food voucher and healthy choices: encourage eating in low- income families.

Tracking down what to provide in the institutions for the benefits of its community.

TEACHERS: The teacher also can gain more knowledge about this study to assist

students as a good source of ideas and information which can enhance their understanding

about the specific topic the research has and to develop this topic with in line to the academic

curriculum.

PARENTS: To our parents continuously supported us helping accomplish this study

and for their guidance, encouragement, and inspirations to them throughout their lives.

STUDENTS: This will be an instrument that will guide and navigate them in

discovering credible and reliable that are known as indispensable data for further understanding

on the topic.

FUTURE RESEARCHERS: They also help to get good idea for building a business.

This research provides information that will be useful in their future study.

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 SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study focuses on how food voucher helps the low- income families. In this study

will involve students of ERG HVAC Assessment center Inc as the respondent of the study.

Low-income families often experience food insecurity and nutritional disparities.

Limited access to affordable, nutrients- rich food can lead to reliance on calorie- dense, low-

nutrient options, contributing to higher rates of obesity and chronic diseases. Food access and

encourage healthier eating habits. By providing food voucher but it could not be enough to

encourage the low-income families to their eating habits. This study aims to investigate the

effectiveness of food voucher in encouraging healthy eating habits among low- income

families.

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 TIME AND PLACE OF THE STUDY

The study was conducted on the second semester of A.Y 2024-2025 and continued by

the second semester A.Y 2025-2026 at ERG HVAC ASSESSMENT CENTER INC. Purok 4A,

Barangay 5, San Francisco, Agusan Dell sur. The researcher chose ERG HVAC

ASSESSMENT CENTER INC. Institution’s as the place of the study as it also caters a TLV

and ABM strand.

ERG HVAC ASSESSMENT CENTER INC. Is located in Purok 4A, Barangay 5, San

Francisco Agusan Del Sur. It started as ERG TECHNUCAL TRAINING CENTER INC.

Owned by Mr. EDDIE RUFO GAUSE. This institution caters a (DOMRAC)DOMESTIC

REFRIGARATION AND AIR- CONDITIONING. It caters become an institution that offers

a Senior High School Program which include (TVL)TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL

LIVELIHOOD and (ABM)ACCOUNTANCY BUSSINESS MANAGEMENT in A.Y 2019

and on November 23, 2019 the technical training becomes ERG HVAC Assessment Center

INC. And it also registered in R.A 11232 of SEC (Security exchange and commission)

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 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

FOOD VOUCHER HEALTHY CHOICES

• LOW- QUALITY • FOOD INSECURITY

Table 1: Conceptual framework

Figure 1 shows the schematic diagram of the two variables. The independent variable

is food voucher in terms of low amount, minimum amount, and large amount. While the

dependent variable is the healthy choices in terms of food insecurity, food security, and food

waste. For the independent variable study the how amount is a low amount of food voucher

may not provide enough food assistance, leading to decreased food security and increased risk

of hunger. Minimum amount is the minimum amount of food voucher may not be enough to

meet the food needs of the family, leading to increased food insecurity. Lastly the large amount

is the families may be able to purchase a wider variety of foods, leading to a more balance and

nutritious diet. Furthermore, food insecurity can lead to a diet that is high in processed and

unhealthy foods, rather than fresh fruits and vegetable. Food security can lead to a diet that is

rich in essential, promoting overall health and well-being – Lastly the food waste can reduce

the availability of food for families, leading to food insecurity.

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 REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE

In the context of rising food cost, low-income consumers are likely to lack financial

access to a sustainable diet primarily composed of healthy plant. Base food, to promote a

change towards more sustainable food habit voucher for fruit, vegetables and legumes

redeemable in super markets have been experimented in the urban area of Dijon (France).

Voucher thus led to food purchases of higher diversity and higher enjoyment. Other

participants did not change their habits, mostly because of an improper use of the voucher or

the absence of motivation for a dietary change. Acceptability and effect on food choices of

incentives promoting more sustainable diets among low- income consumer. Verdeau et al. A

qualitative study Appetite (2025)

Sustainability is crucial for transforming the food system, addressing environmental

and nutrition issues and depends on consumer perceptions and value. This cross- sectional

study investigates the relationship between sustainability attitude, knowledge and eating

behaviors.

Examining individual knowledge- related items, almost all were associated with higher levels

of knowledge, except those regarding food and environment interaction. These findings

underline a complex scenario where consumers awareness and knowledge highly influence the

applicability of sustainable food choices. Knowledge, attitude and behavior towards food

sustainability in a group of Italian and consumers. Gian Di A cross- sectional study.

International journal of food sciences and nutrition 1-12, (2024)

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Cost has been reported as the main barrier to healthy eating in vulnerable group. We aimed to

evaluate the effect of a nutrition education intervention on adherence to Mediterranean diet and

health when providing food voucher. Family food purchases were assessed using electronically

recorded supermarket- obtained transaction. Providing unrestricted food voucher to vulnerable

groups to increase healthy food consumption appears to be insufficient and should be

accompanied by medium-long term nutrition education.

The effect of food voucher and an educational intervention on promoting healthy eating

in vulnerable families: a pilot study, nutrients according to Miguel-Berges et al. (2022)

Price and affordability become increasing important food choices with decreasing

household income, at the expense of a negative impact on health. It is however unclear whether

the provision of food voucher alone is sufficient to promote healthier food purchases or whether

food aid should be part of a general nutrition education program. While it has been documented

that the direct provision of foods can be associated with diet improvements, it remains unclear

when provided with monetary aid. Healthy diets on a budget: Financially relevant nutrition

education improves the impact of food voucher on dietary habits, compass nutrition & dietetics

as stated by Antonis Vlassopoulos (2024)

An important goal of healthy promotion is to make it easier for people to make healthy

choices. However, this may be difficult if people do not feel control over their environment

and their personal circumstances. In an attempt to provide a theoretical framework, we discuss

individual empowerment from a perspective.

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 We provide some suggestions how these factors can be influenced, and we discuss the

meaning of the identified factor can be influenced, and we discuss the meaning of the identified

factors for impowering interactions between professionals and their client in accordance to the

study of MA Koelen, Bent Lindsrom, European Journal of Clinical nutrition 59 (1), S10-S16,

(2005)

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 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The main purpose of this study is to determine the food voucher on how it affects and encourage

the low- income families to their healthy choices eating habits.

Additionally, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the economic-status of the specific respondents in terms of;

a. Low-income

b. Middle- income

c. High- income

2. To evaluate the impact of food voucher in the respondents according to their profile.

3. To investigate food voucher in low-income families to encourage them in eating healthy

foods.

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 HYPOTHESIS

Food voucher have emerged as a popular strategy for offsetting the increased caused of

many healthy foods especially fruits and vegetables they are generally intended to support

healthier dietary intake among people living in households experiencing low incomes and/or

food insecurity.

Food voucher and healthy choices initiatives serve as an effective mechanism for

assisting low- income families in selecting healthier food options. This initiative can greatly

improve family’s nutritional well-being and lead to better health outcomes by tracking food

insecurity, advancing education and offering incentives.

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 RESEARCH RESPONDENTS

The respondent of this study were all Students, Faculty, and Staffs of ERG HVAC

ASSESSMENT CENTER INC. of the second semester of A.Y (2024-2025) at Barangay 5, P-

4A, San Francisco, Agusan Del Sur. The researcher uses stratified random sampling technique

for choosing the respondents of this study where it meets the needs of any researcher.

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RESEARCH DESIGN
 In this study researcher use stratified random sampling were the probability sampling

in the research in the research randomly selected a subset of participants from the population.

A self-administered survey questioner will be distributed to 50% of the G-12 ABM students’

population it stratified by socio-economic status; low-income middle income, and high-income

using stratified random sampling. In addition, the researcher will used survey questioners to

gather self-report from the specific respondents though self-administration of questions in

paper and pencil format.

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RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
The study will employ stratified random sampling to select. The participants will be randomly

chosen by all grade level of ABM and TVL student’s population. Participants will complete a

questionnaire.

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DATA GATHERING
 The researcher will give a letter of permission to the school administrator, once the

permit is granted to request letter will be forwarded in principal office of the concerned school

for the approval and will administered the letter to the faculty. Furthermore, the researcher

distributes the survey questionnaire to the specific respondents that the researcher is needed in

this study.

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SUMMARY
 In summary the research and food voucher and healthy places in low- income families

highlights that well food voucher improve access to other foods their impact on overlay habits

and long- term health outcomes limited and lifted with additional support. Who are voucher

programs are you supposed to information healthier eating among the family’s better success

depends and complementary strategies such as education and improved accessibility?

This study will employ stratified random sampling to select. The participants will be

randomly chosen by grade level with 70% of total ABM Students population.

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CONCLUSION
 Food insecurity and limited access to healthy food options are significant challenges

faced by low- income families. To address this issue, food voucher programs will be

implemented to encourage healthy eating habits among low-income families.

By providing the families with vouchers allows them to purchase nutritious food,

leading to better health outcomes and reduced risks associated with poor nutrition. However,

the effectiveness of this approach depends on factors such as the accessibility of healthy

options, the affordability of those options even with voucher and the level of nutrition education

provided to the families.

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REFERENCES
Backholer K, Gupta A, Zorbas C, Differential exposure to, and potential impact of, unhealthy

advertising to children by socio-economic and ethnic groups: A systematic review of the

evidence. Obes Rev. 2021;22(3): e13144.

Basile Verdeau, Anaelle Denieul- Barbot, Sandrine Monnery- Patris (2025) acceptability and

effect on food choices or incentives promoting more sustainable diets among low- income in

consumer a qualitative study. “Appetite (2025): 107903

Google ScholarCrossref PubMed

Maria L Miguel- Berges, Andrea Jimeno- Martines, Alicia Larruy- Garcia, Luis A Moreno,

Gerardo Rodrigues, Isabel Iguacel (2022) the effect of food voucher and an educational

intervention on promoting healthy eating and vulnerable families a pilot of study. “A pilot

study” nutrients 14, no. 23: 4980.

Miguel-Berges ML, Jimeno-Martínez A, Larruy-García A, et al: The Effect of Food Vouchers

and an Educational Intervention on Promoting Healthy Eating in Vulnerable Families: A Pilot

Study. Nutrients. 2022;14(23):4980.

Vincensa Giafredi, Lorenso Stacchini, Sofia Lotti, Iris Sarno, Francesco Sofi, Monica Dina

(2024), knowledge attitude and behaviors towards food sustainability in a group of Italian

consumers across sectional study. International Journal of food sciences and nutrition, 75(5),

463- 474

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BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
 Food voucher have been widely used as a policy tool to encourage healthy eating among

low-income family. A study by Migue-Berges et al.-(2022) found that providing food voucher

to vulnerable families increased their purchase of healthier food. However, the study also for

sustaining long-term dietary improvements. The research indicated that when food voucher

was combined with a nutrition education program. Participants shared improved health

indications, such as better weight management and lipid profiles, food voucher can be an

effective strategy to support low-income families in making healthier good choices.

It is difficult for low-income families to priority on spending healthy food those who

are in low-income families are more likely to have diet that their energy and nutrients is poor

in particular low on take of fruits and vegetables but the food voucher may not be enough to

encourage the low-income families to a healthy eating habit.

Food voucher as a solution to improve food security and encourage healthy habits

among low-income families. By providing food voucher but may not be enough to encourage

healthy eating habits. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of food voucher. As a

low-income family their food voucher they could convert it into seeds security or seeds

voucher, according to study of Shown McGuire, Louise Sperling, Global food-price shocks

and poor people (2014).

The food price crisis has led to assumption that food price rises are due to inadequate

food production, and that such food insecurity is link to seed food price. Hence in response to
high food price seed resources worth hundreds of millions of US dollars are being shipped into

vulnerable farming system across the world. This article examines the evidence for linking

food security to seed security, particularly in acute context, and how the challenges facing

security feature of availability, access and food security and seed security scenario.