Awareness and Utilization of Food Resources in KSU Students
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Introduction: College students experience food insecurity at a higher rate than the general U.S. population. Food insecurity can be linked to negative physical, mental, and academic well-being within U.S. college students. While both community and government food resources are often accessible for college students, what percentage of food insecure students at Kennesaw State University (KSU) actually utilize these food resources has not been explored. This study aims to explore the relationship between food resource awareness and food resource utilization among undergraduate students at Kennesaw State University.
Methods: Data is expected to be collected from undergraduate students at KSU. Participants will take a survey via Qualtrics evaluating their food security level, awareness of the KSU food pantry and SNAP, utilization of the KSU food pantry and SNAP, and potential barriers they face in accessing these food resources. Demographic variables such as gender, age, race/ethnicity, grade classification, and place of living will also be collected. Data will then be cleaned, sorted, and coded through use of SPSS software.
Results: Expected results are that students who are unaware of food resources available to them will be less likely to utilize those food resources.
Conclusion: This study aims to work on showcasing the need to increase awareness of food resources available to food insecure college students through targeted marketing and education.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Health Promotion and Physical Education
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Afekwo Mary Ukuku
Awareness and Utilization of Food Resources in KSU Students
Introduction: College students experience food insecurity at a higher rate than the general U.S. population. Food insecurity can be linked to negative physical, mental, and academic well-being within U.S. college students. While both community and government food resources are often accessible for college students, what percentage of food insecure students at Kennesaw State University (KSU) actually utilize these food resources has not been explored. This study aims to explore the relationship between food resource awareness and food resource utilization among undergraduate students at Kennesaw State University.
Methods: Data is expected to be collected from undergraduate students at KSU. Participants will take a survey via Qualtrics evaluating their food security level, awareness of the KSU food pantry and SNAP, utilization of the KSU food pantry and SNAP, and potential barriers they face in accessing these food resources. Demographic variables such as gender, age, race/ethnicity, grade classification, and place of living will also be collected. Data will then be cleaned, sorted, and coded through use of SPSS software.
Results: Expected results are that students who are unaware of food resources available to them will be less likely to utilize those food resources.
Conclusion: This study aims to work on showcasing the need to increase awareness of food resources available to food insecure college students through targeted marketing and education.