Meal Swipes: The Efficiency of Having Meal Swipes for First Generation College Students Related to Food Insecurity at Texas Christian University

Abstract

This research adds to the ongoing discussion about food insecurity among college students and aims to bridge the gap in knowledge about how access to meal swipes specifically affects first-generation students. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, to explore how meal swipes impact first-generation students’ perceptions of academic success and campus involvement at TCU. The findings suggest that the inconsistent availability of food through meal swipes has a negative impact on first-generation students’ learning, grades, extracurricular participation, social connections, and well-being. This highlights the need for universities like TCU to develop comprehensive solutions to support food-insecure first-generation students, as meeting their basic needs is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities for academic success and overall well-being. This research is relevant because it provides insights into a significant yet often overlooked issue that affects many first-generation students’ health, achievement, and college experience, contributing to the broader conversation about college student food insecurity. 

Comments from Mentors

Hayden is phenomenal in so many ways—he took on graduate-level scholarship as an undergrad, which is a very hard thing to do. But even more important, the motivation for his study was compassion for his peers. He identified a very real challenge for first-generation college students —that part is easy—but then he used his Honors and McNair resources to find a solution. I am hopeful that TCU may adopt a meal-swipe program at some point. What a legacy that will be!

— Amber Esping