Hidden Hunger: Understanding the complexity of food insecurity among college students

Abstract

ABSTRACT Food insecurity among college students has become more widely recognized within recent years. This contributes to the need for additional research to understand the complexity of the student experience with food needs. The current study aimed to fill an even greater gap specifically utilizing qualitative research. The goal of this study is to understand the context of eating patterns, food assistance resources, and health and wellbeing for students classified with very low food security. By making use of survey research conducted in the spring of 2018, participants that met inclusion criteria for identifying as food insecure were recruited for the current study to reach data saturation with a final sample size of 30 participants. Investigator designed, study specific, measurement tools were created in the form of a supplemental survey and moderators guide. Seven focus groups and 11 individual interviews were conducted using two cofacilitators. SPSS software was used to provide output frequency data of supplemental survey results. These results show 77% (n= 23) of students reported getting enough calories to keep them satisfied but not getting the variety of food they should to eat a well-balanced diet, and 23% (n=7) reported not getting enough calories to keep them satisfied, and not getting the variety of food they should to eat a well-balanced diet. Seven percent (n=2) were currently enrolled in assistance (SNAP) and 30% (n=9) reported family enrollment growing up (WIC and SNAP). Manual open coding was used to analyze focus group and interview transcriptions and generate seven major themes. These major themes are: Eating and Shopping Habits, Food Experience Growing up, Health and Wellbeing, Food Assistance Use and Barriers, Adaptations and Coping Strategies, Campus Enviornment, and Future Program Interventions. Additional subthemes and categorical focus areas were established to further code participant responses and match them with corresponding participant quotes. Data collected was then used to inform future campus recommendations. Key recommendations include; targeted programs and outreach addressing high risk populations on campus, expansion of life skills training programs related to nutrition, money, and time management, Addressing technical barriers and social stigmas associated with food assistance program use, creating a centralized coordinating office dedicated to food assistance work to streamline resources, and conducting further research focusing on the graduate student experience with food insecurity. The study findings and the current recommendations provide context to the student experience that is otherwise not captured in the research with a quantitative design. Data provided through this qualitative research not only fills gaps in the literature but can also be used to further understand the complexity of students experiencing food insecurity on campus. This understanding can be used to inform future programs relating to food assistance on campus; ultimately contributing to student success.