Food Insecurity, MyPlate Recognition, and Meal Preparation Confidence Among College Food Pantry Users

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health
• Higher Education

Background:

• Food insecurity is a significant issue among college students.
• College food pantries serve a critical role in addressing student food needs.
• Understanding how students utilize resources and nutritional information is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the food security status of college students using a food pantry.
• To assess college students' familiarity with the Choose MyPlate nutrition guidelines.
• To determine the relationship between MyPlate familiarity, food security, and confidence in preparing healthy meals.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 354 first-time users of a college food pantry in the southeastern US.
• Data collected included food security status, awareness of Choose MyPlate, and self-reported confidence in meal preparation.
• Statistical analyses examined associations between variables.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of food insecurity was found, with 81.3% of students food insecure and 47% experiencing very low food security.
• Approximately one-third of students recognized Choose MyPlate, and a majority of those intended to use its guidance for food selections.
• Familiarity with MyPlate and intention to use it were linked to increased confidence in making healthy food choices, irrespective of food security status.

Conclusions:

• Simple nutritional guidelines like Choose MyPlate can empower food-insecure students.
• Increased awareness and application of MyPlate can enhance students' confidence in selecting nutritious foods from pantries.
• Interventions promoting nutrition education may improve healthy eating behaviors among college students facing food insecurity.