University of Louisville

Neither Excellent Nor Inclusive: Understanding Food Insecurity At The University of Louisville

Presenter Information

Nat SumerackiFollow

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Junior

Major

Anthropology

Minor

History

Institution 24-25

University of Louisville

KY House District #

42

KY Senate District #

35

Department

Anthropology

Abstract

Existing literature has shown a rise in food insecurity among university students. As defined by the USDA, food insecurity is a social and economic condition of limited or uncertain access to nutritional or adequate food. Previous surveys have shown that ⅙ of Kentuckians and ⅕ of Kentucky children experience food insecurity. This figure is even higher among college students nationwide, with 47% of students experiencing food insecurity at the average 4-year public institution. A 2021 survey conducted with University of Louisville students showed that 51% experienced food insecurity, higher than the national average. Using the university’s stated institutional values of excellence and inclusivity as a framework, this study examines the causes of food insecurity among students at the University of Louisville and its effects on their lived experiences. I found that the system through which the University of Louisville gives students access to food is deeply flawed, leading to a negative impact on the eating habits of students. This, I argue, represents an abject failure of the university to live up to its stated values of excellence and inclusion. Similar to existing studies, the flaws of the campus food system has led to unnecessary hunger and lower academic performance in the student body. Additionally, those who experience food insecurity typically have displayed an erosion of pride and trust in the University of Louisville as an institution, resenting the admin for the lack of response to hardships. I conducted 20 ethnographic interviews with food insecure students and staff involved in the food system, as well as participant observation in the campus pantry. The poster will include applied policy recommendations for the University to reduce food insecurity.

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Neither Excellent Nor Inclusive: Understanding Food Insecurity At The University of Louisville

Existing literature has shown a rise in food insecurity among university students. As defined by the USDA, food insecurity is a social and economic condition of limited or uncertain access to nutritional or adequate food. Previous surveys have shown that ⅙ of Kentuckians and ⅕ of Kentucky children experience food insecurity. This figure is even higher among college students nationwide, with 47% of students experiencing food insecurity at the average 4-year public institution. A 2021 survey conducted with University of Louisville students showed that 51% experienced food insecurity, higher than the national average. Using the university’s stated institutional values of excellence and inclusivity as a framework, this study examines the causes of food insecurity among students at the University of Louisville and its effects on their lived experiences. I found that the system through which the University of Louisville gives students access to food is deeply flawed, leading to a negative impact on the eating habits of students. This, I argue, represents an abject failure of the university to live up to its stated values of excellence and inclusion. Similar to existing studies, the flaws of the campus food system has led to unnecessary hunger and lower academic performance in the student body. Additionally, those who experience food insecurity typically have displayed an erosion of pride and trust in the University of Louisville as an institution, resenting the admin for the lack of response to hardships. I conducted 20 ethnographic interviews with food insecure students and staff involved in the food system, as well as participant observation in the campus pantry. The poster will include applied policy recommendations for the University to reduce food insecurity.