Assessing food security and needs of Oklahoma State University students using a mobile food pantry
Lapke, Madison Kay
Citations
Abstract
Food insecurity is a prevalent issue throughout the United States, the state of Oklahoma, and on Oklahoma State University's (OSU) Stillwater campus. Previous research has shown that food insecurity rates among college and university students tend to be higher than the national average. Studies done on OSU's food insecurity levels have been even higher. Students who experience food insecurity also face adversities to their mental and physical health and academic performance. Mobile food pantries (MFP) are a relatively new innovation that have been shown to be effective in addressing food insecurity, particularly the issue of accessibility. There are no known published studies about using mobile food pantries to address food insecurity among college students. Our Daily Bread Food and Resource Center (ODB) in Stillwater, Oklahoma has implemented a MFP on OSU's campus. This study surveyed student clients of the MFP to assess the food security status of the population and their needs and perceptions of the MFP. The voluntary survey questionnaire was administered at the MFP sites via a Quick Response (QR) code that students scanned to access the survey. It contained questions from the USDA Food Security Survey as well as response items developed by the researcher based on Thomas' and Penchasky's (1981) five dimensions of access. The sample size of the population ranged from 125 to 141, depending on the specific question. From 134 students who answered the food security questions, more than 83% were considered food insecure. The respondents agreed that the MFP provided sufficient foods and produce regarding nutritional value, variety, diversity, and acceptability. Although students were open to the opportunity of using ODB's food assistance programs, they were mostly unaware of the services offered. While many students rode bikes or walked as their main form of transportation, several mentioned that no grocery store or market was within walking distance. Overall, the findings of this study showed that a need existed for a MFP on OSU's Stillwater campus. Students would prefer that the MFP operate at later times in the day and be located near central campus.