“It’s Just Like This Cycle, and I’m Stuck”: The Experience of Food Insecurity During Graduate Studies (Poster 35)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 9:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Psychological Well-Being and Coping Mechanisms in Higher Education

Abstract

Food insecurity is a social justice concern touching a large proportion of the student body on campuses. Yet, studies exploring the viewpoints of food insecure graduate students are few and far between. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 graduate students who were either moderately or severely food insecure. Results indicated four themes: 1) Food insecurity is defined in terms of proximity, affordability, quality, and time; 2) Food insecure graduate students perceive an impact on their physical, mental, and social wellbeing presenting a barrier to their academic success; 3) Institutional factors such as trust and reputation impact help-seeking behaviours; and 4) food insecure graduate students share common advice and opportunities for improved institutional support.

Authors

• Olfa Karoui, University of Ottawa

• Giuliano Reis, University of Ottawa