I am Holly Harris, an Assistant Professor at the EUR. My research interests lie in understanding the nuances of nutritional behaviours among the youth and the complex interplay of family feeding dynamics. By delving into individual and familial behaviours, I believe we can unlock insights for a broader, global approach to behaviour change. I also have great interest in the synergy between healthy and sustainable food choices. I envision integrating these perspectives into our sector plan.
Project Title
Nourishing the Future: Unfolding pathways to healthy sustainable diets in communities
behavioural change(s) addressed
The project addresses behavioural changes towards adopting healthy and sustainable eating habits. A key focus will be preventing poor nutrition, disordered eating, and weight challenges, centering on the well-being of children, families, and their surrounding communities.
Theoretical approach
Ecological systems theory and behavioural susceptibility theory
Empirical research strategies
Phase I: Understanding how individuals interact with their food environment through observational, mixed methods. Phase 1 will incorporate the following approaches: · Epidemiological examination of parents’ and children’s interaction with the neighbourhood food environments using data from the population-based birth cohort study (Generation R) · Quantification and examination of how social practices across the continuum of food consumption relate to healthy and sustainable diets in a community-based sample (Barendrecht, Albrandswaard and Ridderkerk)
· Qualitative interviews with parents from socioeconomic diverse neighbourhoods to understand they make choices in their local food environment
Phase II: Co-designing an intervention aimed to promote the nutrition of young families. This will be developed with members of the community using public and patient involvement techniques. A multi-level intervention will be developed, piloted, implemented and evaluated in the future.
Possibilities for inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration
This project will cover several areas in which I have interest and expertise: - The aetiology of appetitive traits and disordered eating - Epidemiology - Family feeding dynamics - Nutrition-related behaviours and obesity - Socioeconomic disadvantage
I wish to develop a deeper understanding of the food environment through a public health lens. I welcome any opportunities for collaboration!
Social transition(s) addressed
Amidst the climate crisis and rising living costs, nutrition remains at the crossroads of health and environment. Our food choices, molded by culture, beliefs, and resources, reflect these challenges. This project addresses the societal transition towards understanding and reshaping our interactions with the food environment, aiming for a sustainable food system and health-conscious future.