METHODS
Design
The study used focus groups to determine what factors influenced the eating habits, food choices,
and food preparation practices of African American, Caribbean, and Hispanic parents. Five questions guided the focus groups: (a) When you were growing up what were your favorite foods?, (b)
Was there anything special that your mother or family cooked?, (c) In your opinion, what types of
foods are children today eating?, (d) How many meals a week do you prepare at home or order
from take-out?, and (e) How do you decide to cook at home or get take-out?
Sample
Three focus groups were conducted at a large, not-for-profit organization in New York City prov