Fueling Success: The Implementation of an Experimental Evaluation of a Community College Meal Voucher Program

• In Event: Division J Vice Presidential Session. Reducing Basic Needs Insecurity Among College Students: How States Are Accepting Responsibility and Implementing Solutions

Abstract

This three-year mixed-method study is an RCT and implementation evaluation of a meal voucher program (MVP) at Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) in Boston, MA.

In order to support students with food insecurity, BHCC provides meal vouchers for use in the college cafeteria. BHCC runs the initiative through their benefits hub office and staff report that the vouchers help students focus on academics and decrease financial stress. However, empirical evidence of this affect was relatively anecdotal.

In 2017, BHCC partnered with researchers to assess the implementation and causal impact of MVP, with a specific focus on students’ academic success and overall well-being. The project provides key insights for those seeking to implement basic needs insecurity interventions in a cost-effective, efficient, and targeted manner.

Author

• Katharine Broton, University of Iowa