Employing Evaluation Research To Inform Campus Food Pantry Policy

Objective: In this study, we aimed to understand the impact of food insecurity on college students as well as to determine the effectiveness of current policies and practices established by a university food pantry. Methods: We used mixed-methods evaluation research implemented with food pantry users. We obtained food insecurity (FI) and diet quality (DQ) levels, socio-demographics, satisfaction, and GPA. Results: All visitors were FI: 88.2% with hunger, and 11.8% without hunger. Low vegetable consumption was significantly associated with FI with hunger (p =.017). ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences between cumulative GPA and number of visits (p =.021). Conclusion: Study outcomes can inform university-wide policies to influence food insecurity and addressment of student success and attainment.