Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science
Department
Nutrition and Food Sciences
First Advisor
Sarah Amin
Second Advisor
Amanda Missimer
Abstract
Background: Campus-based programs to promote food access have become more prevalent on college campuses due to rising food insecurity among students. Despite this, there is a notable gap in qualitative research investigating students' experiences regarding food access and intervention acceptability. In 2021, the University of Rhode Island (URI) Free Farmer’s Market (FFM) was developed to promote student access to produce from URI campus farms. Objective: This study aims to assess student perceptions surrounding use and acceptability of the URI FFM and also understand the role this plays in student changes to food access throughout the semester. Study Design, Settings, Participants: A cross-sectional mixed methods approach was used in which participants completed a 17-item “Market Reach” survey assessing demographic information and program acceptability. An “interview” survey was used to assess demographics, campus resource utilization, and food security status. Semi-structured interviews addressed produce utilization, food resource management, perceived acceptability of cooking space, and suggestions for future participant needs. During the 2022 FFM, 96 participants were willing to be contacted and 23 completed the survey and participated in an interview. Measurable Outcome/Analysis: Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Interviews were transcribed and a codebook was constructed using an inductive and deductive approach based on interview domains and research team discussions. A thematic analysis was used to identify preliminary themes. Results: Of the 878 participants that completed the Market Reach survey (72% female, 73% White, and 77% undergraduate student) 108 were contacted and 23 completed an interview. Of these 23 participants (84% female, 73% White, 73% undergraduate) 56% indicated having some form of food insecurity based on the USDA 6-item screener (score 2-6= food insecurity). Themes include Food Access Changes Throughout the Semester, Motivation to Participate, Participant Need for Nutrition Education, Positive Free Farmers’ Market Perceptions, and Potential Future Changes Based on Student Need. Conclusion: By evaluating students' attitudes and experiences, this research informs strategies for improving food access within the URI community and methods of assessment for future studies. Specifically, these findings highlight the diverse challenges students face regarding food access, underscoring the necessity for food and nutrition education interventions to address their multifaceted needs effectively.
Recommended Citation
Meola, Maria, "THE URI FREE FARMERS’ MARKET AND FOOD ACCESS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS" (2024). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2503.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2503