Using Photovoice to Create Awareness and Proactive Attitudes Among Mothers of Preschool-Aged Children About the Prevalence of Ultraprocessed Food in the Local Food Environment

Ultraprocessed foods are deeply ingrained in US culture, and challenging the social acceptance of feeding children ultraprocessed foods is a priority. We used photovoice among a sample of mothers of preschool-aged children (n = 25) to assess their perceptions of the local food environment. Participants had 2 weeks before and after a nutrition education session to take photographs. Participants submitted 814 photographs of the local food environment, and mothers participated in 8 focus group discussions, each with 5 to 8 participants. After the education session, participants questioned the prevalence and marketing of ultraprocessed foods and discussed the need for change, thus signaling proactive attitudes.