Exploring barriers to food security resource access and use at a Midwestern University: a mixed methods study

This study used a mixed-methods approach rooted in the socioecological model (SEM) to explore food insecurity and barriers impeding both access to and use of food security resources among college students at a multi-campus, Midwestern University. Food insecurity was reported among approximately 26% of survey respondents (n = 1,873) using the 10-item U.S. Adult Food Security Survey Module. Accounts of resource underutilization by interview participants (n = 23) disclosed barriers across the individual (perception of need), relationship (external stigma), and organizational (operational hours) SEM levels. The spectrum of challenges raised by students facing food insecurity warrant triangulated points of assistance throughout their academic journeys.