The Implications Of Food Insecurity On The Academic Performance Of Nontraditional Students

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The Implications of Food Insecurity on the Academic Performance of Nontraditional Students

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 280 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (113 download)

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Book Synopsis The Implications of Food Insecurity on the Academic Performance of Nontraditional Students by :

Download or read book The Implications of Food Insecurity on the Academic Performance of Nontraditional Students written by and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As higher education continues to see a changing student population, there is clear evidence that food insecurity is a real concern on college campuses. The need to increase food availability and access on campuses is even more critical to the retention and education experiences of students. This study sought to understand the scope of food insecurity at one four-year public institution and whether there were implications on academic outcomes for college students who face it. Given the noteworthy changes in student demographics, it was important to determine whether nontraditional students are subject to an increased vulnerability to food insecurity, making college attendance and academic success more difficult. Data collection consisted of using a multi-method approach by administrating a survey questionnaire and conducting semi-structured interviews. An online survey was distributed to a random sample of 2,700 undergraduate students. In total, 314 students participated in the survey. Eight students participated in interviews about their experience with food insecurity. Overall, 47.9% of survey respondents scored in the category of being food insecure at some point within the past 12 months. Nontraditional college students are more likely to experience food insecurity at higher rates compared to other student populations. Students who experienced food insecurity had lower overall GPAs, were twice as likely to fail and withdraw from a course and four times more likely to take an incomplete grade in a course. The results of these tests indicated nontraditional food insecure students experienced academic outcomes differently compared to traditional food insecure students. The impact of food insecurity on GPA was marginally different between traditional and nontraditional students. Moreover, nontraditional food insecure students were 1.5 times more likely to fail, take an incomplete and withdraw from a course compared to food insecure traditional students. This study also examined the lived experiences of students who encountered food insecurity. Nine broad themes emerged from the analysis of interviews. These themes included coping strategies, physical and mental strain, compounded financial challenges, stigma, campus support, commitment toward degree completion, adverse academic implications, high food costs and the feeling of isolation or lack of socializing. An important recommendation drawn from these findings is for higher education institutions to consider establishing a variety of food relief initiatives that address the issue of student hunger and challenges policies preventing students from getting the support they need.

Food Insecurity on Campus

Author : Katharine M. Broton
Publisher : Johns Hopkins University Press
ISBN 13 : 1421437724
Total Pages : 305 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (214 download)

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Book Synopsis Food Insecurity on Campus by : Katharine M. Broton

Download or read book Food Insecurity on Campus written by Katharine M. Broton and published by Johns Hopkins University Press. This book was released on 2020-05-12 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Crutchfield, James Dubick, Amy Ellen Duke-Benfield, Sara Goldrick-Rab, Jordan Herrera, Nicole Hindes, Russell Lowery-Hart, Jennifer J. Maguire, Michael Rosen, Sabrina Sanders, Rachel Sumekh

Food Insecurity Among College Students who are Parents Attending a Community College

Author : Deborah C. Harte
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (193 download)

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Book Synopsis Food Insecurity Among College Students who are Parents Attending a Community College by : Deborah C. Harte

Download or read book Food Insecurity Among College Students who are Parents Attending a Community College written by Deborah C. Harte and published by . This book was released on 2022 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Food insecurity has been a prevailing issue among college students for a number of years. Over the past decade, studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence rate of food insecurity on college campuses ((El Zein et al., 2019; Gaines et al., 2014; Goldrick-Rab et al., 2018; Patton-Lopez et al., 2014; Payne-Sturges et al., 2018; Riddle et al., 2020), and the impact of food insecurity on academic achievement (Gaines et al., 2014; Gundersen & Ziliak, 2015; Stack & Meredith, 2017; Philips et al., 2018). Although these studies have involved college students, gaps in the research have led to an incomplete profile of students who are parents that experience food insecurity. These students, not only have the responsibility of caring for themselves but they must be concerned with the well-being of their children. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore college students who are parents' experiences with food insecurity while attending a community college. The study was conducted in an urban New York City public college and utilized data from individual interviews of student-participants and administrator-participants, content analysis of outreach and marketing materials, and observation of the on-campus pantry use by students. Analysis of the collected data revealed three major findings. First, a lack of financial resources contributed to student parents' inability to provide for their families, and the stress of not being able to provide affected their ability to focus in school. Second, these parents experienced parental trauma, which was couched in their inability to parent their children effectively at times and created feelings of guilt. Third, in spite of the challenges that food insecurity presented, many of these students used the resources that the college offered as motivation to persevere. The implications of these findings revealed food insecurity affected the student-participants who are parents in ways that, without resources and support it would be very difficult for them to progress and complete school.

Food Insecurity Among Community College Students: Prevalence and Relationship to GPA, Energy, and Concentration

Author : Maya E. Maroto
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 316 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (113 download)

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Book Synopsis Food Insecurity Among Community College Students: Prevalence and Relationship to GPA, Energy, and Concentration by : Maya E. Maroto

Download or read book Food Insecurity Among Community College Students: Prevalence and Relationship to GPA, Energy, and Concentration written by Maya E. Maroto and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 316 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The latest U.S. government surveys indicate that one in six Americans suffer from food insecurity, which means they have trouble affording adequate food. Previous research has shown that food insecurity affects adult cognitive ability, energy levels, ability to concentrate as well as child academic success. Food insecurity has been studied in college students at 4-year institutions; however, research on the community college population is sparse. This study aimed to better understand the extent and implications of food insecurity among community college students attending two community colleges in Maryland. The research was carried out using a survey that collected data related to student food insecurity, demographics, along with self-reported Grade Point Average (GPA), energy, and concentration levels in 301 community college students. Approximately half of the students attended a suburban community college (n=151) and half of the students attended an urban community college (n=150). Data from each school were compared to examine issues affecting students attending each institution. The study revealed that over half of the community college student respondents were food insecure and that food insecurity was slightly less prevalent among respondents at the suburban community than those from the urban community college. African American students and multiracial students were more likely to experience food insecurity than White students. Students who lived alone, with roommates or with spouses/partners were more likely to experience food insecurity than students who lived with parents or relatives. Single parents were also more likely to be food insecure than students who were not single parents. Food insecurity was significantly associated with student GPA, energy, and concentration in the overall student sample. Food insecure students were more likely to fall into a lower GPA category than they were to fall into the highest GPA category. Food insecure students were also more likely to report lower energy and concentration levels and the degree of food insecurity appeared to affect the probability of low energy or difficulty concentrating. When considering each community college separately, food insecurity was significantly associated with GPA at the suburban community college but not at the urban community college. Also, food insecurity had a stronger association with energy and concentration at the urban community college than at the suburban community college.-- Abstract.

Health and Academic Achievement

Author : Blandina Bernal-Morales
Publisher : BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN 13 : 1789237300
Total Pages : 268 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (892 download)

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Book Synopsis Health and Academic Achievement by : Blandina Bernal-Morales

Download or read book Health and Academic Achievement written by Blandina Bernal-Morales and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2018-09-19 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Emotional, physical and social well-being describe human health from birth. Good health goes hand in hand with the ability to handle stress for the future. However, biological factors such as diet, life experiences such as drug abuse, bullying, burnout and social factors such as family and community support at the school stage tend to mold health problems, affecting academic achievements. This book is a compilation of current scientific information about the challenges that students, families and teachers face regarding health and academic achievements. Contributions also relate to how physical activity, psychosocial support and other interventions can be made to understand resilience and vulnerability to school desertion. This book will be of interest to readers from broad professional fields, non-specialist readers, and those involved in education policy.

Experiences of Hunger and Food Insecurity in College

Author : Lisa Henry
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030318184
Total Pages : 131 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (33 download)

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Book Synopsis Experiences of Hunger and Food Insecurity in College by : Lisa Henry

Download or read book Experiences of Hunger and Food Insecurity in College written by Lisa Henry and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2019-11-12 with total page 131 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume explores the experience of hunger and food insecurity among college students at a large, public university in north Texas. Ninety-two clients of the campus food pantry volunteered to share their experiences through qualitative interviews, allowing the author to develop seven profiles of food insecurity, while at once exploring the impact of childhood food insecurity and various coping strategies. Students highlighted the issues of stigma and shame; the unwillingness to discuss food insecurity with their peers; the physical consequences of hunger and poor nutrition; the associations between mental health and nutrition; the academic sacrifices and motivations to finish their degree in the light of food insecurity; and the potential for raising awareness on campus through university engagement. Henry concludes the book with a discussion of solutions—existing solutions to alleviate food insecurity, student-led suggestions for additional resources, solutions in place at other universities that serve as potential models for similar campuses—and efforts to change federal policy.

Food Insecurity on Campus

Author : Katharine M. Broton
Publisher : JHU Press
ISBN 13 : 1421437732
Total Pages : 305 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (214 download)

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Book Synopsis Food Insecurity on Campus by : Katharine M. Broton

Download or read book Food Insecurity on Campus written by Katharine M. Broton and published by JHU Press. This book was released on 2020-05-12 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The hidden problem of student hunger on college campuses is real. Here's how colleges and universities are addressing it. As the price of college continues to rise and the incomes of most Americans stagnate, too many college students are going hungry. According to researchers, approximately half of all undergraduates are food insecure. Food Insecurity on Campus—the first book to describe the problem—meets higher education's growing demand to tackle the pressing question "How can we end student hunger?" Essays by a diverse set of authors, each working to address food insecurity in higher education, describe unique approaches to the topic. They also offer insights into the most promising strategies to combat student hunger, including • utilizing research to raise awareness and enact change; • creating campus pantries, emergency aid programs, and meal voucher initiatives to meet immediate needs; • leveraging public benefits and nonprofit partnerships to provide additional resources; • changing higher education systems and college cultures to better serve students; and • drawing on student activism and administrative clout to influence federal, state, and local policies. Arguing that practice and policy are improved when informed by research, Food Insecurity on Campus combines the power of data with detailed storytelling to illustrate current conditions. A foreword by Sara Goldrick-Rab further contextualizes the problem. Offering concrete guidance to anyone seeking to understand and support college students experiencing food insecurity, the book encourages readers to draw from the lessons learned to create a comprehensive strategy to fight student hunger. Contributors: Talia Berday-Sacks, Denise Woods-Bevly, Katharine M. Broton, Clare L. Cady, Samuel Chu, Sarah Crawford, Cara Crowley, Rashida M. Crutchfield, James Dubick, Amy Ellen Duke-Benfield, Sara Goldrick-Rab, Jordan Herrera, Nicole Hindes, Russell Lowery-Hart, Jennifer J. Maguire, Michael Rosen, Sabrina Sanders, Rachel Sumekh

Meeting the Needs of Nontraditional Undergraduate Students

Author : Babb, Stephanie
Publisher : IGI Global
ISBN 13 : 1799883256
Total Pages : 303 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (998 download)

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Book Synopsis Meeting the Needs of Nontraditional Undergraduate Students by : Babb, Stephanie

Download or read book Meeting the Needs of Nontraditional Undergraduate Students written by Babb, Stephanie and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2022-06-10 with total page 303 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nontraditional students are a rapidly growing population in universities and educational institutions. These students require specialized solutions and considerations as they face a number of difficulties traditional students do not. Further study is needed to truly comprehend this population’s needs and challenges and to develop and implement institutional-level changes to reduce their rate of attrition and increase their academic success. Meeting the Needs of Nontraditional Undergraduate Students has the potential to impact the field of adult higher education and nontraditional students by advancing and further honing already identified differences between nontraditional and traditional students. The book also considers tools and techniques to address these students’ requirements to meet their educational goals. Covering topics such as gender, stressors, and flexible learning, this reference work is ideal for administrators, school faculty, academicians, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.

Paying the Price

Author : Sara Goldrick-Rab
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
ISBN 13 : 022640448X
Total Pages : 382 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (264 download)

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Book Synopsis Paying the Price by : Sara Goldrick-Rab

Download or read book Paying the Price written by Sara Goldrick-Rab and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2016-09-01 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A “bracing and well-argued” study of America’s college debt crisis—“necessary reading for anyone concerned about the fate of American higher education” (Kirkus). College is far too expensive for many people today, and the confusing mix of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid leaves countless students without the resources they need to pay for it. In Paying the Price, education scholar Sara Goldrick-Rab reveals the devastating effect of these shortfalls. Goldrick-Rab examines a study of 3,000 students who used the support of federal aid and Pell Grants to enroll in public colleges and universities in Wisconsin in 2008. Half the students in the study left college without a degree, while less than 20 percent finished within five years. The cause of their problems, time and again, was lack of money. Unable to afford tuition, books, and living expenses, they worked too many hours at outside jobs, dropped classes, took time off to save money, and even went without adequate food or housing. In many heartbreaking cases, they simply left school—not with a degree, but with crippling debt. Goldrick-Rab combines that data with devastating stories of six individual students, whose struggles make clear the human and financial costs of our convoluted financial aid policies. In the final section of the book, Goldrick-Rab offers a range of possible solutions, from technical improvements to the financial aid application process, to a bold, public sector–focused “first degree free” program. "Honestly one of the most exciting books I've read, because [Goldrick-Rab has] solutions. It's a manual that I'd recommend to anyone out there, if you're a parent, if you're a teacher, if you're a student."—Trevor Noah, The Daily Show

The Impacts of Food Insecurity on Academic Performance

Author : Olfa Karoui
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (129 download)

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Book Synopsis The Impacts of Food Insecurity on Academic Performance by : Olfa Karoui

Download or read book The Impacts of Food Insecurity on Academic Performance written by Olfa Karoui and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Food insecurity is characterized by the consumption of low quantity or quality foods, worrying about food supply and/or acquiring foods through socially unacceptable means (Alaimo et al., 2001). Food insecurity is associated with poor physical and mental health putting food insecure students at an increased risk of low performance on standardized assessments (Howard, 2011). This mixed methods study aimed at establishing the relationship between food insecurity and EQAO examination performance in Ottawa, and describes the strategies used to mitigate the effects of food insecurity in schools. The results unveiled that while schools use community-based interventions and provide healthful eating education to parents, food insecurity remains associated to lower test scores on the EQAO grade 3 and grade 6 standardized examinations. As such, current interventions being used within schools in Ottawa are not adequately meeting the needs of food insecure students.

Communities in Action

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309452961
Total Pages : 583 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (94 download)

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Book Synopsis Communities in Action by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Communities in Action written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2017-04-27 with total page 583 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the United States, some populations suffer from far greater disparities in health than others. Those disparities are caused not only by fundamental differences in health status across segments of the population, but also because of inequities in factors that impact health status, so-called determinants of health. Only part of an individual's health status depends on his or her behavior and choice; community-wide problems like poverty, unemployment, poor education, inadequate housing, poor public transportation, interpersonal violence, and decaying neighborhoods also contribute to health inequities, as well as the historic and ongoing interplay of structures, policies, and norms that shape lives. When these factors are not optimal in a community, it does not mean they are intractable: such inequities can be mitigated by social policies that can shape health in powerful ways. Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity seeks to delineate the causes of and the solutions to health inequities in the United States. This report focuses on what communities can do to promote health equity, what actions are needed by the many and varied stakeholders that are part of communities or support them, as well as the root causes and structural barriers that need to be overcome.

Food for Thought

Author : Justen Rosenberg
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 45 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (117 download)

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Book Synopsis Food for Thought by : Justen Rosenberg

Download or read book Food for Thought written by Justen Rosenberg and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 45 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Objective: In 2018, 11.1% of American households were food insecure at least once. Annual reports on food insecurity conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture study the prevalence of household food insecurity; however, they fail to conceptualize the consequences that are associated with being food insecure. The objective of this study is to analyze the impacts of food insecurity on academic performance of children currently enrolled in an Orange County, Florida, K-12 public school. Methods: One focus group and 10 one-on-one interviews were conducted with parents who have at least one child currently enrolled in a K-12 public school in Orange County, Florida, to capture the concerns that they have regarding food and their children’s academic performance. In addition to this qualitative approach, a quantitative survey was administered to the respondents to measure the extent to which they are food insecure. Results: The data from this study show that food insecurity can impact a child’s ability to perform to their fullest potential in school. Mainly parents reported that their household’s access to food impacts their children’s ability to concentrate in school. Further, more salient findings emerged, such as the costs of living in Orange County, a need for greater government assistance, reliance on outside sources of food to feed their children, transportation issues, and health issues. Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors are known to have an effect on a child’s academic performance. The findings represented in this paper suggest that social factors related to poverty disadvantage children in their pursuit of succeeding academically.

Measuring and Assessing Food Insecurity Among East Carolina University Undergraduate Students

Author : Willa G. Midgette
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 109 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (111 download)

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Book Synopsis Measuring and Assessing Food Insecurity Among East Carolina University Undergraduate Students by : Willa G. Midgette

Download or read book Measuring and Assessing Food Insecurity Among East Carolina University Undergraduate Students written by Willa G. Midgette and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 109 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Food insecurity has long been an issue nationwide, however, there has been little emphasis placed on food insecurity among college students. This thesis employed a cross-sectional survey of 1,170 randomly selected undergraduate students, utilizing a variation of the USDA Adult Food Security Survey Module to assess to determine the prevalence of food insecurity among undergraduate students at East Carolina University, and utilized bivariate analysis to assess the relationship between several demographic, academic and lifestyle variables and food insecurity status, as well as the relationship between food insecurity and academic success. The thesis found that food insecurity status is significantly affected by race, first-generation student status, Pell grant eligibility, financial aid use and use of a meal plan, and found that academic performance is negatively impacted by food insecurity. Additionally, this thesis utilized 10 interviews of undergraduate students to assess how current eating and grocery shopping habits and pre-college food security influenced current food security status and assessed how students cope with food insecurity. The study found that students who were food insecure early in life are more likely to be food insecure in college. Finally, this thesis assessed the feelings about and barriers to using the on-campus food pantry at East Carolina University.

Effects of Student Nutrition on Academic Performance

Author : Anna Malki
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 44 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (17 download)

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Book Synopsis Effects of Student Nutrition on Academic Performance by : Anna Malki

Download or read book Effects of Student Nutrition on Academic Performance written by Anna Malki and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 44 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This research looks as the influence student nutrition has on academic performance. More specifically, how food insecurity, and school food consumption impacts grade point average. The data for the research was collected from an in person survey and an online student database. The data was then synthesized together, creating one holistic database. From that database I was able to them run an ordinary least square regression analysis. The findings revealed that for each increment a student got closer to being food insecure on the survey, their grade point average went down by.12 points. Additionally, students that are consuming two meals a day at school, breakfast and lunch, have grade point average that is .139 points lower than students who don't, and students who feel it is important to choose healthy food have a grade point average that is .629 points higher than students that don't. The conclusions of this research defines that educators need a better system to access more nutritious food on campus. Through new policy and program implementation, educators can eliminate the lack of nutrition as a hindrance in academics.

The Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Financial Behaviors Among Undergraduate College Students

Author : Madeline M. Brown
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781085620598
Total Pages : 178 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (25 download)

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Book Synopsis The Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Financial Behaviors Among Undergraduate College Students by : Madeline M. Brown

Download or read book The Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Financial Behaviors Among Undergraduate College Students written by Madeline M. Brown and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Research indicates that college student food insecurity is prevalent in institutions of higher education in the United States, often at rates higher than the respective state rate (Chaparro, Zaghloul, Holck, & Dobbs, 2009; Morris, Smith, Davis, & Null, 2016; Patton-Lopez, Lopez-Cevallos, Canel-Tirado, & Vezquez, 2014). Food insecurity negatively affects many areas of students' lives including academic performance and achievement (Patton-Lopez et al., 2014; Silva et al., 2017) and feelings of social awkwardness and isolation (Henry, 2017). The Ohio State University's Study on Collegiate Financial Wellness surveyed undergraduate students at a public institution in the Pacific Northwest to determine if food insecurity is prevalent, and if it is significantly associated with college student financial management behavior and financial self-efficacy. Chi-Square and logistical regression results showed that food insecurity is significantly associated with both positive and negative financial management behaviors and self-efficacy. Limited research has been conducted to analyze the relationship between college student food insecurity and financial behaviors, however this study contributes to the literature by bridging gaps in understanding regarding the relationship between food insecurity and financial behaviors in this population.

Understanding Food Insecurity in a College Student Population

Author : Amanda Gladney Conrad
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 140 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (132 download)

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Book Synopsis Understanding Food Insecurity in a College Student Population by : Amanda Gladney Conrad

Download or read book Understanding Food Insecurity in a College Student Population written by Amanda Gladney Conrad and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Food insecurity has emerged as a leading health care problem in the United States, impacting college students’ health, well-being, and academic performance. The aims of this study are: 1) to assess the prevalence of food insecurity at Mississippi State University, 2) to explore the coping mechanisms employed by students faced with food insecurity, and 3) to identify college students' perceptions about food access resources, 4) to identify ways in which a scenario that requires social distancing impacts food security in a college student population, and 5) to explore students' expressed needs from the university in improving food security status for all, whether they are learning on campus or in a distance environment. A mixed methods approach was used to assess the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the study aims. An online survey to gather demographic information and assess food security status using the 6-item version of the U.S. Household Food Security Scale Module (HFSSM) was administered. Next, qualitative focus groups with subsets of participants was conducted to gain further insight into the perceptions, coping mechanisms, and resource utilization issues related to food insecurity. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on focus group data collection, an open-ended qualitative questionnaire was designed and sent to original survey participants to gather further data. This study found 34.1% of undergraduate college students to be food insecure. The strongest predictors of food insecurity were having received some type of food assistance in the past year and having received free- or reduced-lunches in elementary or secondary school. The data demonstrates that students with a meal plan are less likely to be food insecure. Qualitative data identified key influencers of food insecurity: 1) personal beliefs, 2) life skills, and 3) the university. The results of this study contribute to the literature focused on food insecurity prevalence in college students and help to fill in gaps in understanding food insecurity from the university student perspective. This will allow relevant interventions to be developed that are congruent with students’ needs, enhancing resource utilization to increase food security status among college students.

Experiences of Food Insecurity Among Undergraduate Students at the University of Waterloo

Author : Merryn Maynard
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 166 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (973 download)

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Book Synopsis Experiences of Food Insecurity Among Undergraduate Students at the University of Waterloo by : Merryn Maynard

Download or read book Experiences of Food Insecurity Among Undergraduate Students at the University of Waterloo written by Merryn Maynard and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 166 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Background: Food insecurity, which refers to uncertain or inadequate access to food due to financial constraints, represents a serious public health problem in Canada. Although post-secondary students may be vulnerable due to high tuition fees and related factors, relatively little is known about experiences of food insecurity among this population. Research aim and objectives: To gain a better understanding of the experience of food insecurity among University of Waterloo undergraduate students, including perceived barriers and facilitators to food security, the strategies used to manage shortages of food and money for food, perceptions regarding implications for health and academic achievement, and suggestions for improving food security for post-secondary students. Methods: A mixed methods design included semi-structured in-depth interviews complemented by demographic and health surveys. The adult items from the Household Food Security Survey Module were used to determine participants' food security status. Students were recruited using flyers posted on campus and distributed at the Feds Student Food Bank. Eligible participants included undergraduate students who lived off campus and provided an indication of compromised food access based on inadequate finances in response to an online screening questionnaire (n=14). Study design and thematic analysis was informed by Layder's (1998) adaptive theory and Alaimo's (2005) conceptual model of food insecurity. Results: Students felt that their food security included both quantity and quality of food. Students experienced common elements, including a preoccupation with the food supply, timing of food shortages, qualitative food compromises, and a desire to be independent. Students encountered a variety of barriers to food access and healthy eating, such as the food environment, food literacy, and time. However, precarious financial situations contributed most prominently to students' food insecurity. Students bought into the norm of the starving student lifestyle, whereby precarious finances, unhealthy eating, limited time, and stress over school were typical and commonplace. Students adopted a variety of coping strategies to manage their food supply, including accessing emergency food programs, finding free meals, food sharing, borrowing food or money for food, normalizing their situation, and demonstrating resiliency. Further, food insecurity was perceived to have a negative impact on their academic achievement and health and wellbeing. Conclusions: This study has begun to fill the gap in research on student food insecurity and its implications in Canada. These exploratory findings suggest that food insecurity among post-secondary students is a serious issue with critical implications. These findings add to the growing argument that Canadian financial support for post-secondary students is inadequate for the maintenance of food security during university. Future strategies must address the root financial causes of food insecurity among students in order to create effective, long-lasting change.