Food Resource Awareness and Information Sharing Among College Students at High Risk of Food Insecurity

Abstract

Objectives To identify information dissemination needs around food resources available through the university as informed by student representing groups at risk of food insecurity. Methods Eight focus groups with 17 leaders of student organizations representing students at high risk of food insecurity (ie, underrepresented minorities, first generation college students, low income, foster youth, and LGBTQA+) were conducted. Students’ experiences and views regarding awareness of available food resources, barriers and facilitators to obtain information on resources, and group-specific needs to improve communication of available resources was gathered. A codebook was developed and used for inductive analysis of interview data. Deductive thematic analysis was done by engaging in extensive commentary and discussion of the code structure. Results Awareness of resources available on campus was low, especially regarding guidance on SNAP application. Although students were able to name a few available resources, they often described inaccurate details. Social networks (ie, social media, direct peer-to-peer communication) were prominently identified as relevant means to share on campus food resource information. Students often recommended coordinated marketing strategies (eg, flyers, social media presence) and direct outreach via clubs/organizations as solutions to improve resource communication. Students preferred means to receive information on how to improve food security included online content (eg, videos, mobile apps) and in person events (eg, interactive demonstrations). Conclusions Comprehensive dissemination of available resources through relevant channels is key to improving food access, particularly among students at high risk of food insecurity. Promising dissemination strategies include direct outreach in student clubs/organizations combined with well-coordinated marketing campaigns that include a broad social media presence and online content. Funding Sources This research is being supported by the Blum Center for Developing Economies, University of California, Merced; and the Global Food Initiative, University of California Office of the President.

A Qualitative Study to Compare Barriers to Improving Food Security among Households with Young Children in the U.S. as Perceived by Different Types of Stakeholders before and during COVID-19

“…Overall, stakeholders (i.e., healthcare providers, early childhood education professionals, community health planning and policy development specialists, and nutrition education professionals) expressed the need to improve the knowledge and awareness of individuals about the programs and resources available to them to reduce food insecurity. The research has identified similar findings, suggesting a lack of community outreach opportunities and marketing strategies to improve individuals’ awareness about community resources and assistance programs [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Furthermore, stakeholders (i.e., healthcare providers, early childhood education professionals, emergency food assistance providers, and nutrition education professionals) also addressed the need for a centralized referral system to better address the needs of community members.…”

Creating a culture that supports food security and health equity at higher education institutions

“…In general, efforts should include education to students and other campus stakeholders on the impact of unmet basic needs, such as access to safe, affordable and healthy food, on academic success and health outcomes (4) . Apart from the direct outreach to students, more comprehensive awareness efforts should include a robust social media presence, updated online content, and campus-wide campaigns (44) . A combination of outreach, education, and dissemination efforts need to be implemented to raise awareness about the issue of food insecurity among students and to promote available resources and programming.…”

“…Local, state and national policies play a significant role in food security of college students (1,2,43) . Higher education institutions have the opportunity to raise awareness of how these policies influence food-related resources that may be available to students (44) . For example, the majority of able-bodied college students are not eligible for government food-purchasing assistance programmes like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); however, there are circumstances when students are eligible for SNAP (43,45) .…”

“…In addition, higher education institutions that have greater numbers of non-traditional students are more likely to have a greater percentage of students who are eligible for programmes such as SNAP or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC). Although these programmes are not implemented on college campuses, it would be advantageous for higher education institutions to raise awareness of circumstances when federal nutrition assistance programmes may be resources for eligible students and to provide support for the application processes (1,2,(43)(44)(45) .…”

“…Surprisingly, a general lack of awareness exists among students regarding available food resources on campus (1,2,43,44) . Thus, more should be done to raise awareness of federal nutrition assistance programmes and improve food insecurity policies and programmes on campuses.…”