Perceived Drivers of Food Insecurity and Coping Strategies of DACA-Eligible College Students–an Exploratory Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Eighteen Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)-eligible students at a Western US university completed a brief food insecurity survey. Eight participated in two focus groups to examine their food insecurity and associated coping strategies. Thirteen participants were food insecure. Drivers of food insecurity included ineligibility to secure federal aid, little time to prepare meals, and inadequate budgeting skills. Students coped with food insecurity at the personal level (e.g. rationing food) or receiving food from others (e.g. Relatives). The unique immigration status of DACA-eligible students contributes to their food insecurity, and policy change is needed to reduce this in higher education.