Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness

Advisor/Mentor

Popp, Jennie

Committee Member

Kemper, Nathan

Second Committee Member

Hancox, Louise

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to: 1) better understand food insecurity among first generation college students and how it might differ from that of other college students, and 2) gather opinions from students that may serve as solutions to alleviate food insecurity. This study was conducted with a mixed-methods survey that included both open-ended and close-ended questions. This study had six detailed parts, including research design, population sampling, instrumentation, data collection, data analysis, and finally, the results. All of these unique phases allowed for first generation students’ voices to be heard and to help meet their needs on the University of Arkansas campus.

This survey had 670 responses. Nearly 10% of respondents stated that they were experiencing food insecurity. Almost 18% stated they were first generation college students. A statistically significant greater percentage of African American and Hispanic Latino students were first generation compared to all other students while a statistically significant lower percentage of Caucasian students were first generation compared to other students.

The results suggested that first generation students were more likely to experience food insecurity affects than non-first generation students. Some of these experiences included worrying that their food would run out before they had money to buy more, and even having trouble concentrating at school and/or work due to the lack of food. One of the most surprising discoveries was the lack of knowledge and/or use of existing resources on the University of Arkansas campus. Lastly, respondents overwhelmingly favored solutions centered around expanding access to food programs through lower costs and increased awareness of existing campus resources via improved advertising.

Keywords

Food insecurity; higher education; first generation

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