Improving Food Security Through Cooking And Food Literacy Among Students Enrolled In A Basic Food Science Lab At Appalachian State University

A dual relationship between food insecurity and inadequate food literacy exists among college students and may be attributed to limited food literacy, availability and ability to prepare healthful foods. College learning experiences that increase food literacy can improve diet quality and reduce food insecurity. Research was conducted to increase food literacy and combat food insecurity through a food literacy-based curriculum. Food literacy outcomes and food security level were measured pre- and post-term through a Qualtrics-based survey. Analyses included Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and McNemar test. Analysis was completed on participants who completed both the pre and post surveys (n=39). Over 30% of participants identified as food insecure. Results showed an increase in food literacy-based confidence (p<.05) in meal planning and other measurements. Food security did not improve; however, a positive trend toward food secure habits was observed. Food literacy-based confidence improved, which increases the potential for engagement and adaptation of the specific behavior. Improvements observed may provide positive coping skills to reduce food insecurity in this population.