from the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development |
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Can a grocery scholarship program decrease nutrition insecurity and increase graduation rates among college students? |
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JAFSCD peer-reviewed article by Megan L. Bever, Amber A. Carr, Kamryn Colburn, Andrea N. Cullers, and J. P. Rutledge (all from Missouri Southern State U) |
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At Missouri Southern State University, the Lion Co-op Center for Nutrition Security launched the Groceries to Graduate program in an attempt to alleviate the burden of nutrition insecurity among undergraduates. The grocery scholarship program strives to improve student health and academic success of advanced undergraduates with a financial need. Scholarship recipients receive tokens which can be used as currency at the Webb City Farmers Market, reducing their financial burden and increasing their access to fresh, local produce and protein.
In a new JAFSCD article, “Reflection on the Groceries to Graduate scholarship program at Missouri Southern State University,” authors Megan L. Bever, Amber Carr, Kamryn Colburn, Andrea Cullers, and J. P. Rutledge present initial findings from the grocery scholarship program, looking at the impact of the grocery scholarship on participants’ nutrition insecurity and graduation rates. Corresponding author Megan Bever can be contacted at bever-m@mssu.edu.
KEY FINDINGS - Groceries to Graduate scholarship provided access to what recipients described as “healthier filling foods,” “healthy groceries,” and “fresh vegetables instead of canned ones.”
- Seasonal shifts in the farmers market created limitations in shopping.
- Participants who reached out about the scholarships early in the semester were more committed to using the tokens.
- While the scholarship disbursements of US$50 did help offset some cost, all participants continued to rely on a grocery store, especially late in the month.
- Participants reported in the focus groups that their scholarly progress toward their degrees remained steady.
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So far, 20 scholarship recipients have graduated out of 41 recipients (48.8%). This suggests a positive correlation between receiving the scholarship and graduating successfully, as compared to the overall MSSU student population.
- Low usage of the tokens suggest that scholarship recipients still face significant barriers when trying to use the tokens at the market.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH - Removing barriers to token usage remains a focus.
- Securing financial sustainability of the program continues to be a long-term goal.
- Improve recruitment of applicants through academic advisors, outreach events, and social media announcements.
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Consider revising eligibility to include students who have made less progress toward their degrees.
- Continue to study and revise the model to ensure that it fosters student well-being and academic success.
Photo Credit: Webb City Farmer's Market celebrates Earth Day with Spring kick off. Photo by The Sentinel. |
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UCS is seeking a Senior Washington representative for its Food & Environment Program, to work as part of an interdisciplinary team that includes dedicated research, outreach, and communications staff in addition to policy advocates. The successful candidate will leverage their skills and expertise to advocate for UCS positions on U.S. Farm Policy and toward healthy, sustainable, and just food systems, helping carry out the program's overall advocacy efforts and leading strategy implementation of key components.
The Senior Washington Representative will also play a key role in crafting future campaigns on food and agriculture issues, potentially supervise and mentor junior legislative staff, and communicate with coalition partners, media, and other stake holders. Interested? Click to apply! |
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