scholarly journals Hunger in Higher Education: Experiences and Correlates of Food Insecurity among Wisconsin Undergraduates from Low-Income Families

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine Broton ◽  
Kari Weaver ◽  
Minhtuyen Mai
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Public Colleges And Universities ◽  
Higher Education Experiences

There is growing awareness that a substantial share of undergraduates are food insecure, potentially undermining investments in higher education and hindering upward social mobility. This mixed-methods paper uses survey and interview data from low-income students at 42 public colleges and universities in Wisconsin to illuminate the day-to-day experiences of food insecurity and examine how food security status varies across background characteristics. Results indicate that students who grew up in food insecure homes, self-identify as a racial/ethnic minority, live off-campus, and attend college in an urban area are significantly more likely to report the lowest level of food security, often associated with hunger. Students explain that challenges stemming from the interrelationship of lack of time and inadequate money are their biggest barriers to food security. Most rely on friends or family for support, but few students draw on the social safety net, in part due to eligibility restrictions. In recognition of the diversity of students’ experiences, we discuss the need for a multi-faceted response to promote food security and student success.

Food Security Status and Hair Cortisol among Low-income Mother-Child Dyads

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 1813-1828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiying Ling ◽  
Lorraine B. Robbins ◽  
Dongjuan Xu
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hair Cortisol ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Low Income Families

This cross-sectional study among low-income mother-child dyads examined the relationship between food security status and hair cortisol concentration (HCC), and how mother and child food security status was interactively related to mothers’ perceived distress and coping. Data from 32 dyads were analyzed. Approximately 46.9% had household food insecurity, 37.5% children had food insecurity, and 34.4% mothers had food insecurity. Children with food insecurity had significantly higher HCC than those with food security. A significant interaction effect occurred between child food security status and race on children’s HCC, with White children’s HCC being more likely to be influenced by food security status. Mother food security and child food security status together explained about 6% of the variance in mothers’ HCC, 27% in perceived distress, and 18% in perceived coping. These findings indicate that assisting low-income families with food insecurity to get enough food can benefit both children’s and mothers’ mental health.

scholarly journals Food Insecurity: A Constant Factor in the Lives of Low-Income Families in Scotland and England

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackie Shinwell ◽  
Margaret Anne Defeyter
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Constant Factor ◽  
School Meals ◽  
Free School ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Food Shopping ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Academic Year

During the school summer holidays, pressures on the already tight budgets of low-income families are compounded, particularly when the safety net of free school meals is removed. The main aim of the current study was to investigate how low-income parents and carers feed their families during term time when children receive free school meals and if, and how, strategies differ during the school summer holidays. A secondary aim was to investigate the role of holiday activity and food programmes in supporting parents and carers to feed their children during the school summer holidays. We used purposive sampling to recruit a total of 21 parents (N = 20 Female, N = 1 Male) whose children attended free summer holiday clubs in Scotland and England during summer 2017. Participants were asked about their food and shopping habits during the school term and if, and how they differed during the school summer holidays when free school meals were not available. The findings suggest that food insecurity is a constant factor in the lives of low-income parents in England and Scotland, and that the stages of food insecurity and the strategies employed to mitigate its effects appear to be cyclical, aligning with the Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) food insecurity continuum and the school academic year. During term time, parents and carers worried about food, suggesting they were experiencing mild food insecurity, despite their children being in receipt of free school meals. As the school holidays approached, moderate food insecurity was experienced as parents reported that they began “provisioning,” storing food and reducing household expenditure. During the summer holidays, food did not last, and parental food acquisition habits became more intense. Parents downgraded food brands and bought reduced price items of food. Ultimately, parents self-sacrificed their own nutritional intake by only buying food their children would eat and parents often skipped meals or only ate their children's leftovers. However, children's attendance at holiday club helped make the food at home last longer and once school resumed, parents returned to their less intense, but constantly coping approach to food shopping. The findings of this study suggest that food insecurity is a constant factor in the lives of low-income families who simply do not have enough household income to prevent them from experiencing food insecurity, even when initiatives such as free school meals and access to holiday club provision with food and activities are in place.

scholarly journals Development of Masterplan and Initial Program for Food Security in Papua Region, Indonesia

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Ambar Pertiwiningrum ◽  
Cahyono Agus ◽  
Supriadi Supriadi ◽  
Supriyanta Supriyanta ◽  
Ali Agus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Food Utilization ◽  
Clean Water ◽  
Land Resources ◽  
Macro Scale ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Low Income Families

Food Security and Vulnerability Atlas (FSVA) of Indonesia 2015 categorized the vulnerability to food and nutrition insecurity based on nine indicators covering food availability, food access and food utilization. According to the assessment, 14 districts in priority 1 (severely vulnerable to food insecurity) were all in Papua. Responding to the problems of food insecurity, a multi-year program focusing on two regencies, i.e., Manokwari and Merauke, was conducted from August 2015. The program was developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration (Kemendes PDTT), Gadjah Mada University Yogyakarta and district governments. This research aimed to examine the problems causing food insecurity and to develop integrative and collaborative macro-scale policy recommendations. The study used a qualitative descriptive method and a pilot project approach to address food insecurity problems in both regencies. It found five main issues related to food insecurity in Papua: the prevalence of stunting among children under five, the ratio of per capita normative consumption towards net cereal production, the population living below poverty line, households without access to clean water, and low-income families. The problems could be overcome by concerning the ratio of normative consumption per capita and the preservation of local food, and local crops should be grown especially tubers. Regarding the problems associated with low-income families, a program that should be implemented is the welfare improvement of the rural low-income families through the optimization of land resources in the integrated and intensive ways in response to many land resources still underutilized. Moreover, water treatment should be encouraged further to tackle clean water issues.

Prevalence and Correlates of Food Insecurity among Students Attending a Small, Rural Canadian University

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Reynolds ◽  
Christine Johnson ◽  
Jennifer A. Jamieson ◽  
Hannah Mawhinney
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
University Students ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Academic Implications

Purpose: University students may be at risk for food insecurity (FI) due to low income coupled with rising tuition, housing, and food costs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FI and potential correlates among students at a small, rural Canadian university. Methods: Health Canada’s 10-item household food security survey module (HFSSM) was adapted to assess food security status within the postsecondary student population. An additional 11 items measured food access and demographics. The validated, web-based survey was distributed by email and completed by 218 students (15.6% response rate). Participants were classified as food secure, moderately food insecure, or severely food insecure using the HFSSM Adult scale. Results: An overall FI rate of 37.2% was observed. This included 25.7% moderately food insecure and 11.5% severely food insecure. Students in higher years of study and who lived off campus had higher rates of FI. Conclusions: FI appears to be a significant concern for university students and has potential health and academic implications. Further research is needed to clarify the determinants and extent of FI for postsecondary students and to develop strategies to mitigate the prevalence and effects of food insecurity in these young adults.

Food Purchasing and Food Insecurity: Among Low-income Families in Toronto

2010 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. e50-e56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Dachner ◽  
Laurie Ricciuto ◽  
Sharon I. Kirkpatrick ◽  
Valerie Tarasuk
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Purchasing Decisions ◽  
Food Purchasing ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Low Income Families

Purpose: Factors underlying food-purchasing decisions were examined among a sample of low-income Toronto families. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was completed among 485 families residing in high-poverty Toronto neighbourhoods. Food-security status was assessed using the Household Food Security Survey Module. Open-ended questions were included to examine respondents’ food selection and management practices and their purchasing decisions for six indicator foods. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between factors influencing food-purchasing decisions, perceived food adequacy, and severity of food insecurity. Results: Twenty-two percent of families had been severely food insecure in the past 30 days. Respondents engaged in thrifty food shopping practices, such as frequenting discount supermarkets and budgeting carefully. Price was the most salient factor influencing food-purchasing decisions; the likelihood that families would report this factor increased with deteriorating food security. Preference, quality, and health considerations also guided food-purchasing decisions, but generally to a lesser extent as food insecurity increased. Household food supplies reflected constraints on food purchasing, and they diminished with increasing food insecurity. Conclusions: Despite their resourcefulness, low-income families struggle to feed their families. Dietitians have an important role to play as advocates for adequate income supports to promote food security and nutritional health.

scholarly journals Food Insecurity Contributes to Poorer Dietary Outcomes in Higher Education Students: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 180-180
Author(s):  
Yumeng Shi ◽  
Alyse Davies ◽  
Margaret Allman-Farinelli
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
The United States ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Food Security Status

Abstract Objectives Tertiary education students have been found to experience a higher prevalence of food insecurity than the general population. This systematic review aims to examine the existing evidence on the association between food insecurity and dietary outcomes among higher education students. Methods Nine electronic databases and gray literature were searched. Studies that reported dietary outcomes (e.g., nutritional intake and meal patterns) in students of differing food security status in tertiary education settings in any country were included. All primary study designs were eligible for inclusion, except for qualitative studies. Two reviewers completed the title/abstract and full-text screening, data extraction, and quality assessment independently. Results A total of 14 studies were included in the final qualitative synthesis of this review. The prevalence of food insecurity among higher education students ranged from 21% to 82% across the included studies from the United States, Canada, Australia and Greece. Lower intakes of healthy foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and higher intakes of unhealthy foods (e.g., fast foods, added sugars, and sugar-sweetened beverages) were observed in food-insecure students. Some students also consumed less breakfast and evening meal than food-secure students but the evidence was limited. The overall diet quality was not consistently measured in students with different food security status by using validated dietary assessment tools. Conclusions Poorer dietary outcomes were found in higher education students with food insecurity compared with food-secure students. More policy interventions, effective nutrition education, and food assistance programs should be provided by tertiary education institutions and governments to target the nutritional needs of food-insecure students. Funding Sources This review received no specific funding.

scholarly journals Food insecurity during COVID-19 pandemic: A genuine concern for people from disadvantaged community and low-income families in Province 2 of Nepal

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254954
Author(s):  
Devendra Raj Singh ◽  
Dev Ram Sunuwar ◽  
Sunil Kumar Shah ◽  
Lalita Kumari Sah ◽  
Kshitij Karki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Disadvantaged Community ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Disadvantaged Families

Background Food insecurity is a serious social and public health problem which is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic especially in resource-poor countries such as Nepal. However, there is a paucity of evidence at local levels. This study aims to explore food insecurity among people from the disadvantaged community and low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic in Province-2 of Nepal. Methods The semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted virtually among purposively selected participants (n = 41) from both urban and rural areas in eight districts of Province 2 in Nepal. All the interviews were conducted in the local language between July and August 2020. The data analysis was performed using thematic network analysis in Nvivo 12 Pro software. Results The results of this study are grouped into four global themes: i) Impact of COVID-19 on food security; ii) Food insecurity and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, iii) Food relief and emergency support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and iv) Impact of COVID-19 and food insecurity on health and wellbeing. Most participants in the study expressed that families from low socioeconomic backgrounds and disadvantaged communities such as those working on daily wages and who rely on remittance had experienced increased food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants used different forms of coping strategies to meet their food requirements during the pandemic. Community members experienced favouritism, nepotism, and partiality from local politicians and authorities during the distribution of food relief. The food insecurity among low-income and disadvantaged families has affected their health and wellbeing making them increasingly vulnerable to the COVID-19 infection. Conclusion Food insecurity among low-income and disadvantaged families was found to be a serious problem during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that the relief support plan and policies should be focused on the implementation of immediate sustainable food security strategies to prevent hunger, malnutrition, and mental health problems among the most vulnerable groups in the community.

scholarly journals Barriers to Preparing and Cooking Vegetables Are Associated with Decreased Home Availability of Vegetables in Low-Income Households

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Landry ◽  
Marissa Burgermaster ◽  
Alexandra E. van den Berg ◽  
Fiona M. Asigbee ◽  
Sarvenaz Vandyousefi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
School Based ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Food Insecure Households ◽  
Home Availability ◽  
At Home

Knowing which barriers to buying and preparing/cooking vegetables at home are linked with the home availability of vegetables and how food-security status impacts this relationship will facilitate the tailoring of future public health interventions. Baseline data were used from an elementary-school-based intervention. Data on household food-security status, availability of vegetables at home, and barriers to buying and preparing/cooking vegetables were collected from 1942 parents. Differences between food-secure and food-insecure households were examined for barriers to buying and preparing/cooking vegetables. Mixed-effects linear regression was used to estimate the associations between barriers to buying and preparing/cooking vegetables and food-security status on the home availability of vegetables. Food insecurity was reported in 27% of households. Food-insecure households were significantly more likely to report barriers to buying and preparing/cooking vegetables. The barriers to purchasing/cooking vegetables score was associated with a decrease in the home availability of vegetables score (β = −0.77; 95% CI: −0.88, −0.65; p < 0.001). Compared to food-secure households, food-insecure households were 15% less likely to have home vegetable availability (β = −1.18; 95% CI: −1.45, −0.92; p < 0.001). Although home availability of vegetables does not guarantee consumption, this study identified specific barriers that were associated with availability that can be targeted in future interventions seeking to improve vegetable consumption in the homes of low-income families.

scholarly journals Relationship between food insecurity and smoking status among women living with and at risk for HIV in the USA: a cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. e054903
Author(s):  
Lila A Sheira ◽  
Edward A Frongillo ◽  
Judith Hahn ◽  
Kartika Palar ◽  
Elise D Riley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Living With Hiv

ObjectivesPeople living with HIV (PLHIV) in the USA, particularly women, have a higher prevalence of food insecurity than the general population. Cigarette smoking among PLHIV is common (42%), and PLHIV are 6–13 times more likely to die from lung cancer than AIDS-related causes. This study sought to investigate the associations between food security status and smoking status and severity among a cohort of predominantly low-income women of colour living with and without HIV in the USA.DesignWomen enrolled in an ongoing longitudinal cohort study from 2013 to 2015.SettingNine participating sites across the USA.Participants2553 participants enrolled in the Food Insecurity Sub-Study of the Women’s Interagency HIV Study, a multisite cohort study of US women living with HIV and demographically similar HIV-seronegative women.OutcomesCurrent cigarette smoking status and intensity were self-reported. We used cross-sectional and longitudinal logistic and Tobit regressions to assess associations of food security status and changes in food security status with smoking status and intensity.ResultsThe median age was 48. Most respondents were African-American/black (72%) and living with HIV (71%). Over half had annual incomes ≤US$12 000 (52%). Food insecurity (44%) and cigarette smoking (42%) were prevalent. In analyses adjusting for common sociodemographic characteristics, all categories of food insecurity were associated with greater odds of current smoking compared with food-secure women. Changes in food insecurity were also associated with increased odds of smoking. Any food insecurity was associated with higher smoking intensity.ConclusionsFood insecurity over time was associated with smoking in this cohort of predominantly low-income women of colour living with or at risk of HIV. Integrating alleviation of food insecurity into smoking cessation programmes may be an effective method to reduce the smoking prevalence and disproportionate lung cancer mortality rate particularly among PLHIV.

scholarly journals Very low food security in the USA is linked with exposure to violence

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana M Chilton ◽  
Jenny R Rabinowich ◽  
Nicholas H Woolf
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Security Policy ◽  
Public Assistance ◽  
Exposure To Violence ◽  
Living Wages ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Female Headed Households

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate characteristics of exposure to violence in relation to food security status among female-headed households.DesignOngoing mixed-method participatory action study. Questions addressed food insecurity, public assistance, and maternal and child health. Grounded theory analysis of qualitative themes related to violence was performed. These themes were then categorized by food security status.SettingHomes of low-income families in Philadelphia, PA, USA.SubjectsForty-four mothers of children under 3 years of age participating in public assistance programmes.ResultsForty women described exposure to violence ranging from fear of violence to personal experiences with rape. Exposure to violence affected mental health, ability to continue school and obtain work with living wages, and subsequently the ability to afford food. Exposure to violence during childhood and being a perpetrator of violence were both linked to very low food security status and depressive symptoms. Ten of seventeen (59 %) participants reporting very low food security described life-changing violence, compared with three of fifteen (20 %) participants reporting low food security and four of twelve (33 %) reporting food security. Examples of violent experiences among the very low food secure group included exposure to child abuse, neglect and rape that suggest exposure to violence is an important factor in the experience of very low food security.ConclusionsDescriptions of childhood trauma and life-changing violence are linked with severe food security. Policy makers and clinicians should incorporate violence prevention efforts when addressing hunger.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document