Date of Graduation

5-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Social Work

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

School of Social Work

Advisor/Mentor

Valandra

Committee Member/Reader

Thomas, Johanna

Committee Member/Second Reader

Reid, Margaret

Committee Member/Third Reader

Stauss, Kim

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between food insecurity and educational attainment among Fulbright College of Arts and Science graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Arkansas. A quantitative descriptive survey design was used to collect data on this subject. Arkansas is one the most food insecure states in the country. Existing data suggests a strong correlation between food insecurity and low educational attainment among students in community college settings. However, little empirical research has been conducted to test the relationship between food insecurity and educational attainment among four­-year college students. This study investigates that relationship at the University of Arkansas. Surveys were sent to 7152 students; 473 students completed the survey, six of the completed surveys were omitted from analysis due to being extreme outliers. Approximately 40% of the participants were considered to be food insecure based on a series of questions adapted from the USDA’s U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module: Short Form.The results suggest a negative correlation between food insecurity and educational attainment among the students who completed the survey. The results had a strong statistical significance. Policy and practice implications are discussed.

Keywords: food security, food insecurity, GPA, students, University of Arkansas

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