Using Experiential Learning to Help Students Understand the Impact of Food Insecurity

ABSTRACT

Experiential learning theory suggests that students increase their understanding when given the opportunity to experience a particular situation in addition to learning about it intellectually. This theory was used to construct an assignment to assist social work master’s students in better understanding food insecurity and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Through coding previously collected reactions to the assignment, the researchers discovered multiple reoccurring themes: increased understanding of SNAP, feelings about the program, realizations regarding individual privilege, client stigma, the social experience of eating, and empathy for those who experience food insecurity. Through this exercise, students increased their knowledge of the program and also gained a better understanding of how food insecurity personally affects individuals and families.

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Notes on contributors

Jennifer L. Kenney

Jennifer L. Kenney, PhD, MSW, MPH, was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at University of Alabama at the time this article was written. She is currently affiliated with California State University, Sacramento.

Sarah R. Young

Sarah R. Young, PhD, LMSW, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at Binghamton University.