Hunger solutions: recognizing barriers and mobilizing resources to create a food secure campus

Abstract

The word hunger brings an image to mind, likely of a starving child living abroad. This image is contrasting to the realities facing students on the Wichita State University campus daily. This disconnect prompted graduate students from the qualitative research methods class in the Elliott School of Communication to conduct focus groups on October 22, 2016. The purpose was to learn about students? experiences and knowledge with hunger. The data collected was then thematically analyzed. Four overarching themes emerged: students? perspectives on hunger, the effects of hunger on students, barriers to food security on campus, and available campus resources to combat hunger. Results of the data suggests the need for more diversity of food options, 24/7 availability of nutritious foods, and more effective communication of available student resources to combat hunger. Researchers applied these results to start a new open-share kitchen within the Elliott School of Communication.