1. Level of Food Insecurity and Correlates Among Metropolitan State University of Denver Food Bank Users
Stephanie Mitchell, Samuel Banister, Yoko Burde, Jahaira Vigil, Melissa Masters Ph.D. RDN1
Metropolitan State University of Denver, Department of Nutrition 1Faculty Mentor
BACKGROUND
RESULTS
The USDA defines food insecurity as “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways”.1It has been supplementarily described as an issue of access, encompassing dimensions of sufficiency, safety, nutrition, and preference.2Food insecurity is a circumstance that affects an estimated 15% of U.S. households1 with many of these households below the poverty line.3 Many studies on food insecurity indicate that it adversely affects individuals' health outcomes, especially children and adolescents.4 Also, school aged children who have food insecurity are more likely to suffer low academic performance. Once those children's households become food secure, their academic performance improves.5
Recent evidence suggests college students are among the highest risk groups for food insecurity, with studies identifying >50% of college populations as food insecure.6-8 Severity of food insecurity in these studies has been inversely related to GPA making college students subject to unique, negative, social outcomes not otherwise associated with the condition. Despite this high risk for food insecurity and unique consequences among college students, surprisingly little data exists to describe the affected population. Additionally, attention to outlets that may provide relief of this condition, such as on-campus food banks, may identify possible solutions going forward.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Of 67 participants, 67% indicated “very low” food security. Ninty-one percent of participants said they support themselves financially. 60% reported income <$15k, 87% of participants claimed to be utilizing >7 (of 10) points per week (Figure 1).Over half of respondents were satisfied with the quality and quantity of food received and 2% were unsatisfied with the quality,11% were unsatisfied with the quantity, leaving a large number who responded “neutral” to both questions (Figure 2). Up to 77% said that <30% of food needs are met by this service (Figure 3).
Subjects were asked if they felt their identity is protected to which 75% agreed that it was (Figure 4) however 45% reported “neutral” or “felt embarrassed or judged” (Figure 5). Suggestions were offered by 15% of subjects on ways to better protect their anonymity (Figure 6). Subjects reported several barriers that deter them from preparing food at home, and because of these barriers, expressed interest in recipe/ingredient bundles that would enable to them to prepare more home cooked meals (70% agree or strongly agree) (Figure 7). The current study found the prevalence of MSU Denver Food Bank usage among the sample of students was different between current users (n=45) and former users (n=21), 50% of the former users reported the food bank met 10% > of their needs, while 18% of the current users reported the same thing
Lastly, 93% of respondent’s report that they would be either likely or very likely to recommend the MSU Denver Food Bank to other students.
Figure 3
OBJECTIVE
DISCUSSION
To identify correlates of food bank usage including demographics, level of food insecurity, and satisfaction among users of the MSU Denver Food Bank.
The results suggest that food insecurity among the students increased from last year. There is currently no study to show a correlation of college food bank usage and food insecurity. However, according to the College and University Food Bank Alliance, the number of the college food pantries has been increasing, especially since the last recession of
The quantity of food at MSU Denver Food Bank is an important item for the food bank to improve. It is also a key factor for the students to meet their food intake needs. Students receive 10 points per week that can be exchanged for food and some mentioned that the amount may be inadequate for their needs. Our study found that vast majority of the participants support themselves financially and many indicated “very low” food security. Previous studies indicate that food insufficiency may impact academic outcomes among children.4 Previous studies have also shown food insecurity among community college students.5 have found lower GPAs than those who were not food insecure. Quantity of food might be one factor impacting academic performance for students who use the food bank.
Figure 4
Figure 5
METHODS
Study Design:
A cross-sectional, web-based, 46-item survey utilizing Qualtrics Research Suite software was distributed to registered users of the MSU Denver Food Bank (N=230) via invitation. A total of 67 students completed the survey representing a response rate of ~29%. The survey was open for 2 weeks in February 2016 with weekly, ed reminders to complete the survey. Gift cards valued at $25 for local grocery stores were provided to twenty random participants to improve response rates. The study was approved by the MSU Denver Institutional Review Board.   
Social Demographics:
Demographic data included ethnicity, major, GPA, academic year, living arrangement, employment, transportation, financial situation, and food program participation.
Usage and Satisfaction:
Respondents were asked to report reasons for using food bank, approximate frequency of use, and general satisfaction with the quantity and quality of provided food.
Food Security:
The US Household Food Security Survey Module: 6 item short form was used to measure relative food security. This 6-item survey has been determined to identify food insecure households with reasonably high specificity and sensitivity when compared to the alternate, 18-item form without the accompanying high respondent burden. Responses to the food security questionnaire were sorted into “high”, “low”, and “very low” food security categories according to the USDA research service guidelines
Analysis:
Descriptive statistics were compiled from the survey for demographic information, reasons for using the food bank, food insecurity prevalence, and satisfaction with the food bank. All data was analyzed by using Qualtrics survey software.
Figure 4:Subjects perception of anonymity at the MSU Denver Food Bank
Figure 5:Subjects who felt embarrassed or judged for use of the MSU Denver Food Bank
Figure 6
Figure 7
CONCLUSION
Participants of this study are food insecure and have low incomes despite high rates of employment. Participants are generally unsatisfied with the quantity of food provided as well as the conspicuous location of the MSU Denver Food Bank. The MSU Denver Food Bank can utilize this data to make improvements in the future which may be dependent on securing new grants or other assistance.
REFERENCES
1. U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service. (2014). Food security in the U.S.:Measurement [Online]. Retrieved fromhttp://
2. Hadley C, Crooks D. Coping and the biosocial consequences of food insecurity in the 21stcentury. Am J Phys Anthropol. 2012;149(S55):72-94.
3. Nord M, Andrews M & Carlson S (2007) Household Food Security in the United States, 2006.Washington, DC: USDA, Economic Research Service
4. Cook JT, et al. Are food insecurity’s health impacts underestimated in the US population? Marginal food security also predicts adverse health outcomes in young US children and mothers. Advances in Nutrition: An International Review Journal 4.1 (2013):
5. Maroto M, Snelling A, Linck H. Food Insecurity Among Community College Students: Prevalence and Association With Grade Point Average. Community College Journal Of Research & Practice [serial online]. June 2015;39(6):
6. Pia Chaparro M, Zaghloul S, Holck P, Dobbs J. Food insecurity prevalence among college students at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. Public Health Nutr. 2009;12(11):2097.
7. Patton-López M, López-Cevallos D, Cancel-Tirado D, Vazquez L. Prevalence and Correlates of Food Insecurity Among Students Attending a Midsize Rural University in Oregon. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 2014;46(3):
8. Maroto M. Food Insecurity among Community College Students: Prevalence and Relationship to GPA. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 2013;45(4):S35
9. College and University Food bank Alliance website Accessed March Feburary 14, 2016.