Grad CAFE: A New Community-Based Approach to Mentoring Centered Around Food

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 7:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Holistic and Community-Based Learning Approaches

Abstract

Mentoring has long been mostly a person-to-person activity focused on a senior member sharing knowledge with a more junior acolyte. In this case study we argue that community based multi-tiered mentoring centered around food is the best approach to reducing tokenism, isolation, and lack of belonging among graduate students as well as addressing issues of food insecurity.
This case study report shares the latest findings from a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded research project examining the impact of Grad CAFE (Graduate Communities for Academic Fellowship & Efficacy). We present preliminary results from focus groups conducted after spring semester 2025. Participants emphasized that food centered activities are vital to address food insecurity, reduce stress, build community, and enhance their well-being.

Authors

• Celeste Atkins, University of Arizona

• Nicole Marrone, University of Arizona

• Christina Kalel, University of Arizona