Prevalence and Predictors of Social Work Student Food Insecurity

ABSTRACT

Food security is an essential component of material wellness and social justice. This study draws on a 2013 survey of 496 students within a school of social work in a Pacific Northwestern U.S. public university to (a) provide the first estimate of the prevalence of food insecurity among social work students and (b) investigate coping strategies used and resources accessed by students. It was determined that 43% of students had experienced food insecurity in the preceding year. In addition, students in the BSW program, students of color, females, and first-generation college students were more likely to be food-insecure. Based on these findings, the article describes strategies for addressing the material and self-care needs of social work students and practitioners.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rhen Miles

Rhen Miles, MSW, is a Doctoral candidate, and Bowen McBeath, PhD, MSW, is a professor at Portland State University. Stephanie Brockett, MSW, is a Doctoral student at the University of Victoria. Paul Sorenson, MSW, is a Doctoral student at Portland State University.

Bowen McBeath

Rhen Miles, MSW, is a Doctoral candidate, and Bowen McBeath, PhD, MSW, is a professor at Portland State University. Stephanie Brockett, MSW, is a Doctoral student at the University of Victoria. Paul Sorenson, MSW, is a Doctoral student at Portland State University.

Stephanie Brockett

Rhen Miles, MSW, is a Doctoral candidate, and Bowen McBeath, PhD, MSW, is a professor at Portland State University. Stephanie Brockett, MSW, is a Doctoral student at the University of Victoria. Paul Sorenson, MSW, is a Doctoral student at Portland State University.

Paul Sorenson

Rhen Miles, MSW, is a Doctoral candidate, and Bowen McBeath, PhD, MSW, is a professor at Portland State University. Stephanie Brockett, MSW, is a Doctoral student at the University of Victoria. Paul Sorenson, MSW, is a Doctoral student at Portland State University.