Food Insecurity Among College Students

Presenter(s)

Jawaad Sheikh

Abstract or Description

Food insecurity is a public health concern that needs to be addressed and can be improved. Many households in the U.S. are impacted by food insecurity and it is alarming to see the prevalence of food insecurity among college students is much higher when compared with the nation. Many people may not realize the severity of the issue, a study referred to food insecurity among college students as a “hidden problem” on campuses. The negative impacts that food insecurity can have on students’ physical and mental wellbeing is too big to ignore. This project addresses food insecurity among college students by exploring initiatives that have already taken place to help alleviate the problem and most importantly, initiatives that have taken place at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). The methodology of this project included review of literature and evaluation of programs by accessing the library’s data base sources and also by coordinating with an interdisciplinary team of professionals and staff members at UTC. Furthermore, this project aimed to help elevate Scrappy’s Cupboard and Scrappy’s Market by providing UTC students the proper educational components to compliment the food that they receive so that they can be more equipped and aware of how to make the most of the fresh/healthy food options. Scrappy’s Cupboard is a food pantry that started operating in Fall 2017 after a need was recognized to address food insecurity which was affecting UTC students. The food pantry has recently expanded by adding a farmer’s market on campus known as Scrappy’s Market. Our findings highlight some important implications and initiatives that can help academic institutions such as UTC to improve students’ access to food. It also provides students with easy and accessible resources which are relevant and innovative, to help them when they are in need.