Lisa Henry is Professor of Anthropology at the University of North Texas, USA. As an applied medical anthropologist, her research interests include food insecurity, globalization and health, indigenous healing systems, biomedicine and healthcare delivery, and anthropology in public health. She is Past-President of the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA).

This volume explores the experience of hunger and food insecurity among college students at a large, public university in north Texas. Ninety-two clients of the campus food pantry volunteered to share their experiences through qualitative interviews, allowing the author to develop seven profiles of food insecurity, while at once exploring the impact of childhood food insecurity and various coping strategies. Students highlighted the issues of stigma and shame; the unwillingness to discuss food insecurity with their peers; the physical consequences of hunger and poor nutrition; the associations between mental health and nutrition; the academic sacrifices and motivations to finish their degree in the light of food insecurity; and the potential for raising awareness on campus through university engagement. Henry concludes the book with a discussion of solutions¿existing solutions to alleviate food insecurity, student-led suggestions for additional resources, solutions in place at otheruniversities that serve as potential models for similar campuses¿and efforts to change federal policy.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Food Insecurity in the U.S.

Food Insecurity among College Students

A Deep Dive: Ethnographic Research on Food Insecurity at UNT

Methodology

Overview of Book

References

Chapter 2: Meaning and Experience of Food Insecurity

Demographics of Study Participants

Financial Situation

The Meaning of Food Insecurity

Profiles of Food Insecurity Experiences in College

Coping Strategies

At the University of North Texas

Impact of Childhood Food Insecurity

References

Chapter 3: Stigma and Shame

At the University of North Texas

Shame about Being Food Insecure

Social Services and Stigma

Food Secure Students' Perceptions

Stigma and the Food Pantry

Childhood Pantry

Childhood Stigma

Converstations about Food Insecurity

Destigmatization through Awareness

References

Chapter 4: Physical Health, Mental Health, and Nutrition

Physical Health, Hunger, and Poor Nutrition

Among College Students

At the University of North Texas

Where Does Nutrition Fit In?

References

Chapter 5: Academic Success and Motivation

At the University of North Texas

Academic Success

School Sacrifices

School Activities

Motivation

References

Chapter 6: Solutions

College and University Food Pantries

UNT Food Pantry Evaluation

Overall Pantry Experience

Confidentiality

Helpfulness of Pantry

Adequacy of the Amount of Food

Pantry Items Most Wanted

Layout and Pantry Hours

Student-Suggested UNT Solutions

Broadcast Resources

Free Food Events

Multiple Other Suggestions

Solutions Students Would Not Use

Student-Suggested Solutions Beyond UNT

Nationwide Conferences, Programs, Interventions, and Policy

The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice

The GOA Report and Introduced Legislation

Increase Access to Social Sciences

University Meal Donations

Meal Vouchers and Food Scholarships

Emergency Loans and Aid

Increased Skills Training

Increased Visibility

References

Chapter 7: Conclusions

At the University of North Texas

UNT Happenings Post Research

References