Mixed-methods to explore barriers to the use of food security initiatives in a historically black college and university (HBCU)

Abstract

BackgroundTo assess students’ use and perception of the initiatives to tackle food insecurity (FI) in a Texas historically black college and university (HBCU).MethodsHBCU students > 18 years (288 students). A mixed-methods approach involving an online survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted among the students and major stakeholders to evaluate the prevalence of FI, and gain insights into the challenges to accessing, utilizing and effectively implementing food security (FS) initiatives.ResultsFI affected 63.5% of the participants. The awareness and utilization of the food pantry were 27.9% and 8.1% respectively while for the meal share programs, awareness and utilization were 30.1% and 15.0%, respectively. A significant association was found between FI and the place of residence (p = 0.027). Binary logistic regression model showed that students’ school year was a predictor of food pantry awareness (p < 0.05), residence and FI status were predictors of the meal share program utilization (p < 0.05). Five themes, including poor awareness and visibility of campus resources, bureaucratic process and logistics, insufficient funds, personnel and other resources to run the initiatives, ineffective communication, and stigma due to location emerged as the main barriers to the use of the resources.ConclusionsThis study emphasizes the necessity for HBCUs to address these hurdles in order to successfully help students in need with FI resources.