Research to boost the sales of healthy products in convenience stores
Background
The government has taken action to tackle rising rates of obesity, particularly among children and young adults. These actions include bringing a law to stop larger and medium size shops from selling foods that have a high level of fat, salt, or sugar at checkouts, aisle end and store entrances. Some convenience stores also have to follow the new law.
Many young people have told us that it is hard to make healthy food choices in convenience stores because there are not many choices, they are not value for money and are not as tasty. We want to hear from young people who shop at convenience stores to find out what changes that think stores can make that would help them pick healthier choices.
Do you want to help with research and earn some money at the same time?
We are looking to hear what young people think about this research. Your input will help the research team get our methods right. If you choose to help us, we will ask about what you like and don’t like about using convenience stores and if our findings are true for you. We will also ask you to help us get the questions we are asking other young people right so we can get good answers get.
We may ask for your opinion on:
- How we run our research study and contact other young people
- What we say to young people in our study paperwork and the questions we ask
- How we share our findings with young people
We are looking for
- Young people aged 16-20 years
- Group members who are willing to share their experiences and thoughts
- Group members who will respect what others say
- Group members who will keep what is said private
Our responsibilities to you are to
- Pay you for your time
- Provide training and support when you need it
Our team member, Mrs Preeti Dhuria will make sure you are involved as much as you want to be and will support you as you need.
Time contribution
We are asking you to spend 1-2 hours on this project every 3 months or so for about a year. You can choose to stop taking part at any time without giving a reason.
Payment and expenses:
We will pay you for taking part in the meetings and for the time you spend reading any paperwork. Payment will be at a standard rate of £25 per hour. Payments will be made in vouchers of your choice (e.g. supermarket vouchers, Amazon vouchers, Love2shop, One4all gift cards). You should get the vouchers the week after the meeting or after completing the work.
Most meetings will take place online. If there are any meetings which require travel, costs will be covered.
Contact details
If you are interested or would like to hear more contact Preeti Dhuria at pd@mrc.soton.ac.uk or call: 07503604343