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Feasibility of Delivering an on-Campus Food Distribution Program in a Community College Setting: A Mixed Methods Sequential Explanatory Investigation

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  • Daphne C. Hernandez

    (Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Sajeevika S. Daundasekara

    (Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Quenette L. Walton

    (Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA)

  • Chinyere Y. Eigege

    (Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA)

  • Allison N. Marshall

    (Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

Abstract

Despite community college students experiencing food insecurity there has been a dearth of research conducted on the feasibility of providing a program designed to increase access to fruits and vegetables among community colleges. This study used a mixed methods sequential explanatory design to examine the feasibility of delivering an on-campus food distribution program (FDP) to community college students and to examine the association between FDP and food insecurity and dietary intake. The study also explored the student’s experiences related to barriers and facilitators of program utilization. In phase one, the FDP occurred for eight months and students could attend twice per month, receiving up to 60 pounds of food per visit. Online questionnaires were used to collect students’ food security and dietary intake. Among the 1000 students offered the FDP, 495 students enrolled, with 329 students (66.5%) attending ≥ 1. Average attendance = 3.27 (SD = 3.08) [Range = 1–16] distributions. The FDP did not reduce food insecurity nor improve dietary intake. In phase two, a subsample of students ( n = 36) discussed their FDP experiences through focus groups revealing three barriers limiting program utilization: program design and organization, personal schedule and transportation, and program abuse by other attendees. Facilitators to greater program utilization included: the type of food distributed and welcoming environment, along with allowing another designated individual to collect food. To maximize program use, it is suggested that reported barriers be addressed, which might positively influence food insecurity and dietary intake.

Suggested Citation

  • Daphne C. Hernandez & Sajeevika S. Daundasekara & Quenette L. Walton & Chinyere Y. Eigege & Allison N. Marshall, 2021. "Feasibility of Delivering an on-Campus Food Distribution Program in a Community College Setting: A Mixed Methods Sequential Explanatory Investigation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-23, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:12106-:d:681959
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ralph Stinebrickner & Todd Stinebrickner, 2014. "Academic Performance and College Dropout: Using Longitudinal Expectations Data to Estimate a Learning Model," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 32(3), pages 601-644.
    2. Coleman-Jensen, Alisha & Rabbitt, Matthew P & Gregory, Christian A & Singh, Anita, 2020. "Household Food Security in the United States in 2019," Economic Research Report 327207, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
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