“I eat less because I do not have consistent access to food, and this decreases my quality of life”: How Does Food Access and Quality of Life Interact with One Another for College of Agriculture and Life Science Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56103/nactaj.v69i1.156Keywords:
food access, first-generation student, international student, rural, urban, quality of life, maslow hierarchy of needAbstract
Food access is a multidimensional issue that involves various factors such as accessibility, availability, affordability, and awareness. Inadequate access to food can significantly impact one's Quality of Life (QoL), especially for college students who face unique challenges. This qualitative study aimed to explore the influence of food access factors on the QoL of college students, with a specific focus on individuals in the College of Agriculture at Virginia Tech. The study revealed that some students were unaware of the available resources and programs. Furthermore, physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental factors impacted food access and perceived QoL. The findings of this study provide valuable insights that can help inform initiatives to support college students experiencing food access problems and promote a more equitable food access system within higher education.
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