"These two very different books provide useful counterpoints on campus food insecurity, a growing phenomenon only made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. ... Together they provide both a balanced treatment of the subject and some remarkably interesting insights and strategies that other college communities can utilize." (Mark B. Lapping, Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Vol. 11 (2), 2021-2022)
Chapter 1: Introduction
Food Insecurity in the U.S.
Food Insecurity among College Students
A Deep Dive: Ethnographic Research on Food Insecurity at UNT
Methodology
Overview of Book
References
Chapter 2: Meaning and Experience of Food Insecurity
Demographics of Study Participants
Financial Situation
The Meaning of Food Insecurity
Profiles of Food Insecurity Experiences in College
Coping Strategies
At the University of North Texas
Impact of Childhood Food Insecurity
References
Chapter 3: Stigma and Shame
At the University of North Texas
Shame about Being Food Insecure
Social Services and Stigma
Food Secure Students' Perceptions
Stigma and the Food Pantry
Childhood Pantry
Childhood Stigma
Converstations about Food Insecurity
Destigmatization through Awareness
References
Chapter 4: Physical Health, Mental Health, and Nutrition
Physical Health, Hunger, and Poor Nutrition
Among College Students
At the University of North Texas
Where Does Nutrition Fit In?
References
Chapter 5: Academic Success and Motivation
At the University of North Texas
Academic Success
School Sacrifices
School Activities
Motivation
References
Chapter 6: Solutions
College and University Food Pantries
UNT Food Pantry Evaluation
Overall Pantry Experience
Confidentiality
Helpfulness of Pantry
Adequacy of the Amount of Food
Pantry Items Most Wanted
Layout and Pantry Hours
Student-Suggested UNT Solutions
Broadcast Resources
Free Food Events
Multiple Other Suggestions
Solutions Students Would Not Use
Student-Suggested Solutions Beyond UNT
Nationwide Conferences, Programs, Interventions, and Policy
The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice
The GOA Report and Introduced Legislation
Increase Access to Social Sciences
University Meal Donations
Meal Vouchers and Food Scholarships
Emergency Loans and Aid
Increased Skills Training
Increased Visibility
References
Chapter 7: Conclusions
At the University of North Texas
UNT Happenings Post Research
References
Lisa Henry is Professor of Anthropology at the University of North Texas, USA. As an applied medical anthropologist, her research interests include food insecurity, globalization and health, indigenous healing systems, biomedicine and healthcare delivery, and anthropology in public health. She is Past-President of the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA).
“A poignant portrayal of what it means to be a college student today, this thoughtful and timely book illuminates the lived experiences of students who are struggling to get enough to eat and how they cope with this reality. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand today’s college students and how we can better support them in their educational goals.”
—Katharine M. Broton, Assistant Professor of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, University of Iowa, USA, and co-editor (with Clare L. Cady) of Food Insecurity on Campus: Action and Intervention (2020)
This volume explores the experience of hunger and food insecurity among college students at a large, public university in north Texas. Ninety-two clients of the campus food pantry volunteered to share their experiences through qualitative interviews, allowing the author to develop seven profiles of food insecurity, while at once exploring the impact of childhood food insecurity and various coping strategies. Students highlighted the issues of stigma and shame; the unwillingness to discuss food insecurity with their peers; the physical consequences of hunger and poor nutrition; the associations between mental health and nutrition; the academic sacrifices and motivations to finish their degree in the light of food insecurity; and the potential for raising awareness on campus through university engagement. Henry concludes the book with a discussion of solutions—existing solutions to alleviate food insecurity, student-led suggestions for additional resources, solutions in place at other universities that serve as potential models for similar campuses—and efforts to change federal policy.