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

Katharine M Broton; Kari E Weaver; Minhtuyen Mai

doi:10.3390/socsci7100179

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

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

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

Katharine M Broton, Kari E Weaver and Minhtuyen Mai

Social Sciences Journal, Vol.7(10), p.179

09/28/2018

DOI: 10.3390/socsci7100179

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Published (Version of record)Soc. Sci. 2018, 7, 179.

Abstract

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.

Higher Education

Educational Leadership

poverty

mixed methods

Details

Title: Subtitle: Hunger in Higher Education: Experiences and Correlates of Food Insecurity among Wisconsin Undergraduates from Low-Income Families
Creators: Katharine M Broton - University of Iowa
Kari E Weaver - University of Iowa
Minhtuyen Mai - University of California San Diego
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Social Sciences Journal, Vol.7(10), p.179
Publisher: MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/socsci7100179
ISSN: 2076-0760
Number of pages: 25 pages
Grants: Graduate Reserach Fellowship Program (GRFP) (University of Wisconsin System), 1256259, National Science Foundation (United States, Alexandria) - NSF
Language: English
Date published: 09/28/2018
Academic Unit: Educational Policy and Leadership Studies; Center for Social Science Innovation
Record Identifier: 9983557140702771

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