Rapid Dissemination of College Food Insecurity Findings in A Multi-Institutional Study Using the eB4CAST Approach

Abstract

The sharing of college food insecurity data with higher education administrators and stakeholders is essential to increase awareness of campus-specific food insecurity outcomes. This study utilized the evidence-Based forecast C-capture, A-assemble, S-sustain, T-timelessness (eB4CAST) approach to develop campus-specific food insecurity reports for researchers involved in a multi-institutional food insecurity study. eB4CAST reports were developed for each higher education institution (n = 22). The reports were four pages of visual data that included details of the eB4CAST approach and the multi-institutional food insecurity study, campus demographics, an overview of college food insecurity, food insecurity prevalence estimates at all participating institutions, and student use and awareness of campus resources, as well as the campus-specific resources that are available. The interpretation and forecasted use of the reports were evaluated through a 17-item online survey. The survey was completed by 26 content experts and showed a favorable perception of the eB4CAST institutional report. A majority of participants strongly agreed that the eB4CAST food insecurity report was clear to understand (72%), it was easy to read (64%), the statistics were easy to interpret (80%), it shared valuable information (92%), and it was impactful to their work (80%). Further, 84% of participants found the overall information of the report to be relevant and sharable. Participants forecasted disseminating the reports primarily to administration (77%) and with other faculty and staff (85%). These findings highlight the projected usability of the visualized data eB4CAST report across many sectors of college food insecurity research, which may help disseminate rapid findings on this emerging issue and increase awareness.

Global Food Insecurity in University: Literature Review

“…Key improvements were made in the feedback, such as putting more focus on individual data, which would increase sharing across sectors as information has to be transparent and practical for effective dissemination. In order to disseminate college food insecurity results, the eB4CAST food insecurity study are shared, with many participants recognizing its importance to be shared with administrators, faculty and staff, students, other schools, and community organizations (Olfert et al, 2020).…”

“…High incidences of food insecurity among college students were found by studies before the global pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019. Owing to factors such as unemployment and closure of campus facilities, the pandemic has undoubtedly exacerbated food insecurity among college students, and because of long-standing student issues, many students do not have access federal food assistance which necessitates the need for data (Olfert et al, 2020). Laska et al (2020) prepared a paper analyses the federal legislation on college food insecurity, as well as pandemic-related stimulus bills and their consequences for future policies and practices.…”