Using a healthy snacks program on a campus with limited food access: Implications for implementing a sustainable safety net program  .

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the user experiences and satisfaction levels of students who participated in a healthy snacks program over eight months on a campus located in a food desert. PARTICIPANTS: Students at a suburban private university (N = 51). METHODS: Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, participants scanned a Quick-Response code and responded to an online questionnaire. Mixed methods analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Most participants took snacks in the morning (44.4%). Satisfaction levels were highest [Mean (Standard deviation) 6.58 (0.90) out of 7.00 = high] among those feeling stressed. Five major themes from the open-ended responses were identified (1) Being thankful; (2) Finding snacks to be tasty; (3) Inexpensive and healthy alternatives; (4) Feeling better; and (5) Needing better and additional snacks. CONCLUSIONS: Future research is needed to assess the long-term feasibility and effectiveness of this program and develop similar programs on other college campuses located in food deserts.