A Framework to Assess Food Insecurity Responses Among Colleges and Universities

Area of Science:

• Higher Education Research
• Public Health
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Student food insecurity is a significant issue in higher education, impacting academic success and overall well-being.
• Existing frameworks for food insecurity lack specific guidance for campus-level interventions and assessments.
• Colleges need tools to systematically address and evaluate their responses to food insecurity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a comprehensive framework for assessing campus-level responses to food insecurity.
• To provide researchers and practitioners with a resource for guiding and evaluating higher education food insecurity initiatives.

Main Methods:

• An eight-phase process was adapted for framework development, involving literature review, concept identification, synthesis, and expert validation.
• The framework was refined through multidisciplinary literature mapping, concept categorization, and grouping.
• Expert panel review (n=7) was conducted to validate the framework's clarity, comprehensiveness, and representativeness.

Main Results:

• The Campus Food Aid Self-assessment (CFAS) framework was developed, comprising six key dimensions: Student Services and Supports; Involvement; Advocacy; Awareness and Culture Efforts; Education and Training; and Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works.
• Expert panelists confirmed the framework's clarity, comprehensiveness, and representativeness of its dimensions, definitions, and variables.
• The CFAS framework provides a structured approach to understanding and evaluating campus food insecurity interventions.

Conclusions:

• The CFAS framework offers a structured and accessible tool for higher education institutions.
• It supports the development, coordination, and enhancement of campus strategies to combat food insecurity.
• Implementing the CFAS framework can lead to improved student outcomes and well-being.