Development of a Community Food Pantry for Students of Higher Education

Abstract

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Food insecurity affects 11.1% of households in the United States, leaving many families susceptible to poor diet quality (Coleman-Jensen et al., 2021). Food insecurity, as defined by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, can range from a decrease in the quality, variety, or desirability of the diet to disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake (Coleman-Jensen et al., 2021). The percentage may be even higher among college students, up to one-third of that population, especially given the financial instability and unique living conditions that many students face. In some studies, up to 48% of college students were classified as food insecure (Coleman-Jensen et al., 2021; El Zein et al., 2018; Payne-Sturges et al., 2018; Twill et al., 2016). Food insecurity can contribute to a decline in health, especially when combined with other stressors from school, work, and relationships (Leung et al., 2014; Watson et al., 2017). Food insecurity puts both the students and their schools at risk.