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Description

Food insecurity (FI)—the limited or uncertain access to adequate food—is a growing concern among college students and is linked to increased stress, poor mental health, and reduced occupational engagement. Nationally, 41% of college students report experiencing FI, with higher rates among marginalized groups (Nickolaus et al., 2020). At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), 61% of students are affected, a figure influenced by financial strain, limited access to aid, and unique border-related barriers such as immigration status and language (El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, 2022; Weigel et al., 2007). This capstone project, grounded in the Person-Environment- Occupation (PEO) model, examines how FI contributes to stress and reduced academic and personal performance. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, the project highlights trends linking FI with risky behaviors and diminished participation in daily life. An OT-led, online seminar series was developed to teach stress management and coping strategies, addressing key occupations identified in the OTPF-4. The initiative promotes wellness, resource awareness, and occupational justice, aiming to improve quality of life for food insecure students.

Publication Date

2025

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Mind Matters: Addressing Food Insecurities as a Mental Health Barrier

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