Exploring Stigma Surrounding the Utilization of Food Assistance Among College Students: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

• Published in: Journal of nutrition education and behavior Vol. 56; no. 8; pp. S18 - S19
• Main Authors: Pradhananga, Nila, Niroula, Kritee, Enriquez, Jean Pierre, Holston, Denise, Claydon, Elizabeth, Byrd, Robert C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.08.2024
• ISSN: 1499-4046; 1878-2620
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.05.045

Food assistance programs are crucial for addressing student food insecurity, yet the utilization of these services is marked by intricate dynamics of stigma and related contributing factors. This study aims to uncover the underlying reasons behind stigma, exploring potential strategies to foster empathy and resilience among students on food assistance. A search was conducted on Google Scholar, SocIndex, PsycINFO, and PubMed in December 2023. The article needed to be peer-reviewed, published in English after the year 2000, and include all levels of students and any experiences with the use of food assistance-related experiences, especially stigma. Two authors conducted data extraction and synthesis independently to minimize bias and maximize rigor, the third researcher aided reconciliation when needed. Fourteen studies were included in this review and thematic analysis was used to identify stigma-related factors and suggestions proposed. The predominant emotions linked to students utilizing food assistance were frequently expressed and exhibited as embarrassment, shame, and a fear of social isolation. Another significant contributor to the stigma when using food assistance was the perception that others (student or non-student individuals) were more deserving or in greater need. A few studies pointed to misinformation and a lack of information about these resources exacerbating stigma-associated factors. This review highlights these issues and shares recommendations for mitigating stigma with efforts to enhance education and awareness, foster empathy, and privacy to reduce the feeling of being judged, and garner societal support. To improve the effectiveness and proper utilization of food assistance among the population that needs it most, such as college students, collaborative efforts between university administration and policymakers are essential to developing sustainable solutions and program strategies to reduce stigma and promote inclusivity. Ongoing research should address the systemic barriers preventing students from using food assistance programs. None