from the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development |
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JAFSCD is the world’s only community-supported journal. JAFSCD content is open access (free) thanks to the generous support of our shareholders: the JAFSCD Shareholder Consortium, Library Shareholders, a growing number of Individual Shareholders, and our six JAFSCD Partners: |
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Food insecurity in college students is a widespread problem with implications for academic and public health outcomes, and Missouri is no exception. Food insecurity is highly prevalent in Missouri college students, and knowledge of SNAP and barriers to enrolling in this program persist. Yet it is unknown how different college institution types may differ on their food security prevalence.
In a new JAFCSD article, SNAP for U: Food insecurity and SNAP use among college students, including institution type differences, authors Matthew Chrisman, Andrea Cullers, Candace Rodman, Allene Gremaud, Gil Salgado, and Kelsey Gardiner present findings from an observational, cross-sectional survey study of college students across Missouri, examining nine total institutions (including public, private, community colleges, tech schools, and a Historically Black College or University or HBCU). The purposes of the study were to examine food insecurity in a wide sample of Missouri college students, explore the use and knowledge of SNAP by the students, describe perceived barriers and facilitators to enrolling in and using SNAP, and explore group differences in food insecurity and SNAP use and knowledge by higher education institution type. The findings add to the knowledge base indicating that institutions differ, while also supporting increased attention and resources for targeting college food insecurity, particularly using federal food assistance programs.
KEY FINDINGS
Almost 45% of students were food insecure, and public institutions of higher education had more food insecurity than private schools, community colleges, tech schools, and HBCUs. Two-thirds of students knew what SNAP was, but only one-third knew if they were eligible for the program. Lack of knowledge was the main barrier to accessing the program. Students wanted campuses to provide resources addressing food insecurity. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH College institutions can play a major role in aiding in college students’ knowledge of, enrollment in, and utilization of SNAP benefits. Future research could examine comparisons by the academic ranking and quality of each institution.
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Uninformed About SNAP: Missouri College Students Battle Food Insecurity. Did you know that a lack of awareness about SNAP benefits is causing many college students in #Missouri to face food insecurity? New research sheds light on students’ knowledge and use of SNAP benefits and recommends how colleges and universities can help their students access the resources they need to thrive. #SNAPforU #FoodInsecurity #HigherEducation Read the @JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2024.134.003
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Underserved farmers in South Carolina make up an important part of the annual US$51.8 billion agricultural and forest industry in the state. This group of farmers could benefit from participating in USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) climate-smart agricultural programs to enhance or increase their farming operations. In addition, implementing climate-smart agricultural practices can help to offset the negative impacts of the increased frequency and intensity of disturbances (e.g., drought and flooding).
In a new JAFSCD article, Underserved farmers’ barriers to adoption of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service climate-smart agricultural practices in South Carolina, Guynn, Player, and Burns explore barriers to underserved farmers’ adoption of USDA NRCS climate-smart agricultural practices in South Carolina. Focus groups conducted in-person and virtually across the state revealed both systemic and structural barriers for underserved farmers.
KEY FINDINGS
Three primary barriers for underserved farmers participating in USDA NRCS climate-smart programs emerged from the focus groups: - Lack of program clarity and visibility
- Lack of NRCS accountability
- Lack of NRCS support
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH Recommendations for how the USDA NRCS can help underserved farmers overcome the barriers to program participation for the barriers identified include: 1. For the lack of NRCS program clarity and visibility: -
Provide multiple portals for program information dissemination
- Make the NRCS website easier to find program information
- Create a catalog of available programs
2. For the lack of NRCS accountability: - Provide clearly defined process for disseminating outcomes of application decisions
- Provide feedback on an application when it is denied
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Develop and implement a standard process for the application process, program awards, and announcements
3. For the lack of NRCS support: - Increase awareness by NRCS staff about NRCS providing program payments upfront for underserved groups
- Improve information distribution
- Provide proper training of NRCS staff for consistent application of program guidelines across farms
- Fully staff NRCS offices
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Do you know any farmers struggling to access USDA NRCS programs for climate-smart practices? A new study reveals the hidden barriers faced by underserved farmers in South Carolina. From unclear program info to lack of support, these challenges are holding farmers back. Discover the solutions proposed by authors Guynn, Player, and Burns to empower SC farming communities and drive sustainable practices! #Clemson #USDANRCS #UnderservedFarmers #SouthCarolina #ClimateSmartAgriculture Read the new @JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2024.134.008
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Photo above: Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack speaks with Arkansas producers and partners in Sept. 2022 to discuss the new USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project program. (USDA/FPAC photo by Christopher Willis; public domain via Flickr)
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FREE WEBINAR — MON., SEPT. 9 — 1:00–2:00 pm EDT
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Leveraging Extension and University Engagement: Developing and Implementing Novel Projects Using Transdisciplinary Approaches
Join us for a webinar looking at how land-grant university administration can support faculty and staff in adopting transdisciplinary approaches and leverage the power of engagement. We’ll hear from top university administrators about the challenges of such work and the opportunities to overcome them, and discuss how to navigate multifaceted projects that support inclusivity and diverse perspectives to address the complex challenges facing food and agricultural systems today.
Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, 1:00–2:00 pm EDT
Register here
This webinar is part of the Transdisciplinary Approaches Webinar series, which examines strategies for implementing transdisciplinary approaches, team-building, and overcoming challenges to encourage the adoption of and training in transdisciplinary systems. You can watch recordings from past webinars in the series here.
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UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology Agricultural Operations and Programs Manager
The Agricultural Operations and Programs Manager is a key staff position supporting both on- and off-campus collaborations that extend the reach of center programs and facilities and increase utilization and impact. The incumbent is responsible for broad decisions that will direct and impact the coordination, planning, and management of a diverse array of agricultural operations (tractor-cultivated fields, gardens), facilities (research labs, operational buildings, and educational facilities), and programs (academic, co-curricular, cooperative extension).
For details or to apply, go to UC Santa Cruz Campus Careers. |
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