Process evaluation of a university food recovery program

Objective: Evaluate a university food recovery program to identify logistical and personal barriers and explore students’ perceptions. Participants: Registered members (∼750) of a campus food pantry at a large, Midwestern public institution were recruited. Methods: A cross-sectional, online-based survey was administered in November 2025 and included both qualitative and quantitative questions assessing program participation, perceived effectiveness, and student feedback. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were utilized. Results: Sixty-eight students completed the survey; 31 reported picking up food from the program at least once. Most students (26/31) provided positive experiences, particularly with food quality and amount of food received. The most common reasons for nonparticipation were students being off-campus, inconvenient timing, and late email alerts. Conclusions: Universities should adopt food recovery programs as they are feasible to implement and are well-received by students. Effective marketing with tailored communication, timely alerts and ongoing evaluation is an essential component.