Adults 60 years and older who attend the group lunches at the Community Cafes in Calais and Milo are invited to participate in a University of Maine research project on the relationship between protein intake and food insecurity among people living in rural Maine.
Chesley Ferris is leading the research as part of her graduate studies in the UMaine School of Food and Agriculture, overseen by Mary Ellen Camire, professor of food science and human nutrition.
In order to participate, adults 60 years or older also need to live in Washington or Piscataquis counties, speak English, have the ability to chew solid foods and have visited the Community Cafes in Milo or Calais once per month. Additionally, participants should not have been advised by their doctors or other medical professionals to eat a low protein diet.
Participants will be asked to complete a quick screener and in-person questionnaire, lasting approximately 15-20 minutes, at the Community Cafes in Milo and Calais. If participants reach the end of the questionnaire, they will receive $20 to compensate for their time. Information will be kept confidential, and participation is voluntary.
Anyone interested in participating or those with questions about the study can contact Ferris by emailing [email protected] or calling 207-631-8520. For additional general information, contact Camire at [email protected].
