Exploring the State of Student Food Insecurity Response among Alabama College and University Campuses: Development, Evaluation, and Pilot Implementation of the Campus Food Aid Self-assessment Tool (C-FAST)

Abstract

Food insecurity is an important issue among college students with negative effects on academic performance, physical and mental health, and socialization. Currently, no instrument exists to systematically guide campus support providers in the development and prioritization of food insecurity response. This study sought to develop, evaluate, and pilot an instrument to assess resources, practices, and policies of college campuses in response to food insecurity.

The researcher established a framework for assessing campus food insecurity response with six dimensions: Student Services and Supports; Involvement; Advocacy; Awareness and Culture Efforts; Education and Training; and Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works. Using the framework, the researcher developed the Campus Food Aid Self-assessment Tool (C-FAST), a cross-sectional, criterion-based survey. Expert panel review and cognitive interviewing were established face and content validity of the newly developed instrument.

Next, the researcher piloted the survey Alabama college campus representatives (n = 22). Internal consistency tests confirmed the reliability of the tool (Cronbach’s  ≥ 0.60 for each dimension). C-FAST responses were scored from 1.0 (no to minimal response) to 4.0 (best practice achieved), and the mean C-FAST score was 2.33 (SD = 0.41).

The author used an independent samples t-test and one-way MANOVA to determine whether the extent of campus responses to food insecurity differed based on institutional level. Both tests indicated greater response to food insecurity among four-year institutions when compared to two-year institutions (p < .05). Univariate effects suggested two-year campuses had a significantly lower mean Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works score than four-year campuses (p = .001). The author used backward stepwise regression to explore which campus characteristics may predict changes in campus food insecurity response. The model was significant (p < .001), and institutional locale (p = .015) and prevalence of food insecurity on campus (p = .005) were identified as potential predictors of food insecurity response.

This study established the first evidence-based framework to assess responses to food insecurity. It also included the first statewide study of comprehensive food insecurity response. Results can help guide prioritization of campus food insecurity response and future research and policy decisions associated with campus food insecurity.