Employing Evaluation Research to Inform Campus Food Pantry Policy
Objective
In this study, we aimed to understand the impact of food insecurity on college students as well as to determine the effectiveness of current policies and practices established by a university food pantry.
Methods
We used mixed-methods evaluation research implemented with food pantry users. We obtained food insecurity (FI) and diet quality (DQ) levels, socio-demographics, satisfaction, and GPA.
Results
All visitors were FI: 88.2% with hunger, and 11.8% without hunger. Low vegetable consumption was significantly associated with FI with hunger (p = .017). ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences between cumulative GPA and number of visits (p = .021).
Conclusion
Study outcomes can inform university-wide policies to influence food insecurity and addressment of student success and attainment.
In this study, we aimed to understand the impact of food insecurity on college students as well as to determine the effectiveness of current policies and practices established by a university food pantry.
Methods
We used mixed-methods evaluation research implemented with food pantry users. We obtained food insecurity (FI) and diet quality (DQ) levels, socio-demographics, satisfaction, and GPA.
Results
All visitors were FI: 88.2% with hunger, and 11.8% without hunger. Low vegetable consumption was significantly associated with FI with hunger (p = .017). ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences between cumulative GPA and number of visits (p = .021).
Conclusion
Study outcomes can inform university-wide policies to influence food insecurity and addressment of student success and attainment.
Keywords: college student health; college students; diet quality; food insecurity; food pantry; young adults
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: 1: Center for Transdisciplinary Research in College Student Wellbeing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA 2: Health & Wellness, College of Public Health, Director, Center for Transdisciplinary Research in College Student Wellbeing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
Publication date: 01 July 2018
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