Exploring the Effects of COVID-19 on Food Insecurity Among NH Communities
As a sub-study of the Hatch Multi-State Behaviors and Environmental Perceptions Survey, The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of interruptive factors, such as COVID-19, on NH communities. Data was collected from NH Cooperative Extension Educators (n=11) who represented the majority of the NH counties, through the use of an online survey and focus groups. Finding suggest that the cost and overall finances associated with groceries and preparing healthy, balanced meals became a challenge for many individuals as they had to balance work with at home childcare, as the prices of many goods continued to rise. Accessability became a large area of concern as well, especially among those in low-income communities due to many food pantries having to close or find alternative ways to get individuals their food, such as mobile food pantries. However, through these pantries, the options were limited due to insufficient donations and a shortage of many products in the grocery stores. Lastly, many soup kitchens and communities dinners were shut down, which had served as a stable resource and social event for many individuals before the pandemic (IRB# 8532). |
Exploring the Effects of COVID-19 on Food Insecurity Among UNH Students The purpose of this study was to understand the awareness, reasoning and challenges experienced by college students struggling with food insecurity at the UNH Durham campus during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus groups were conducted during the summer of 2021 with current undergraduate students (n=16) to understand these influencial factors. Common themes included a lack of knowledge among non-traditional students, concerns pertaining to the dining hall, specifically among those with food allergies, and an overall increase in stress and anxiety. Multiple participants discussed their concern for a lack of a central location, such as a website, where all resources would be displayed, including those not only surrounding food insecurity, but also mental health and eating disorders (IRB-FY2021-57). |