Voices of College Hunger: A Case Study Approach to Understanding Students' Experiences

This qualitative case study investigates the experiences of food-insecure students at a public four-year university in the Midwest, aiming to enhance interventions supporting students in need. The study addresses two primary research questions: (1) What resources for food are students aware of? and (2) What are students' perceptions of resources and challenges to accessing those resources? This study included 28 students utilizing semi-structured interviews and questionnaire responses. Study participants represent 46% undergraduate students, 56% graduate students, and 50% of participants were international students. Results are presented through individual narratives and an exploration of key themes across participants. The findings highlight a lack of awareness about food access resources, difficulties navigating community programs, and the unique impact of food insecurity on international students. Recommendations from this study include themes such as enhanced messaging, collaborative partnerships, and data-informed decision-making. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]