(P04-069-20) Food Insecurity Among DACA Students and Its Perceived Sociocultural, Environmental and Policy Determinants – An Exploratory Study in a Midsized Western US University

Objectives: Previous research suggests a relationship between food insecurity and college students. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of food insecurity, its determinants, and coping strategies among Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students.

Methods: Participants were recruited using snowball sampling and private social media platforms in partnership with the Office of Diversity and its affiliate groups on campus. Eighteen DACA students completed the demographic and nutrition survey; eight students agreed to participate in focus groups (FG). A validated 10-item US Adult Food Security Survey was used to assess food insecurity. In the FGs, participants were asked a series of questions about their understanding of food insecurity, the perceived factors associated with food insecurity, and coping strategies and ideas used for improving food security on campus. All data were transcribed and participant identifiers removed. Content analysis was performed to ascertain common codes and themes.

Results: Thirteen of the 18 participants were identified as food insecure. Major themes that emerged as determinants of food insecurity were ineligibility of DACA students to secure government financial aid that non-DACA students are eligible to apply for while in college, lack of time to prepare meals, and inadequate budgeting skills. Some viewed affordable food as unhealthy, and consequently limited eating to avoid poor quality food. Some students chose to buy other basic needs over buying food. Some participants coped with food insecurity by rationing food while others acknowledged buying less expensive, but poorer quality or unhealthy food. Other participants relied on relatives, food pantries, or shared food among friends and roommates. To reduce food insecurity, participants recommended increasing nutrition education and financial literacy education for DACA students on university campuses. Increasing availability of scholarships, stipends, and paid internships are also important options.

Conclusions: Food insecurity and its impact is prevalent among this sample of students. This study suggests that the unique immigration status of DACA students contributes to their food insecurity.

Funding Sources: Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award, CSU Chico