Awareness and Utilization of Available Food Resources for Undergraduate Students in Western Oklahoma

Abstract

Food insecurity is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a household having limited access to adequate food due to a lack of money or other resources. Oklahoma has seen a 1.6% rise in the percentage of food insecurity to the current 15.5% level in the most recent report. Recent research focused on college students have found even higher levels of food insecurity. The goal of this study was to assess the awareness and use of available food resources among Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) students in Weatherford, Oklahoma. The researchers contacted known resources to determine address, hours, types of resources, frequency of visits, and what qualifications must be met to receive assistance. The researchers developed a survey that included questions on demographics, academics, ten standardized questions from the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module, and awareness and use of food resources available to SWOSU students. The survey will be administered online and available for two weeks. After the survey concludes, the researchers will distribute food resource information via email, social media, and printed advertisements. The results of the survey will be analyzed in order to determine an effective marketing plan in hopes of raising awareness of resources.