Digital resources aiming to address or alleviate post-secondary food insecurity: a scoping review

Abstract

Background: There is growing evidence that food insecurity no longer impacts only those living in low- and middle- income countries but instead targets populations experiencing vulnerabilities such as post-secondary students globally. Food insecurity has many negative impacts on students such as high risks of mental health crises, decreased academic performance, and physical chronic illnesses. Post-secondary students increasingly rely on digital technologies to access information and supports, making digital resources important for addressing food insecurity within this population. Research Gap: Although there is significant literature supporting the theory that food insecurity among post-secondary students is increasing, the literature about the digital resources available that aim to address or alleviate food insecurity among this population is limited. Aim: This scoping review aims to map and describe what is already known about digital resources that exist, aiming to address or alleviate food insecurity among post-secondary students. Methodology: This scoping review was conducted utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodologies for scoping reviews. Two independent reviewers screened peer-reviewed literature for inclusion and exclusion criteria, while the primary reviewer conducted a grey literature search through Google and citation chasing. Key Findings: A total of twenty-six sources were included within this scoping review with 12 peer-reviewed sources, and 14 grey literature sources. Findings are presented within a framework that addresses nine themes: 1) the types of digital resources that exist in terms of aiming to address or alleviate post-secondary food insecurity, 2) the functions of these resources, 3) accessibility and equity considerations, 4) integration into campus systems, 5) ethical, privacy,and stigma-related considerations, 6) reported outcomes,7) institutional context and ownership, 8) target populations within the post-secondary setting, and finally, 9) gaps and opportunities identified within the literature. Implications: The findings of this scoping review suggest there are ways digital resources are being utilized to address or alleviate food insecurity among the post-secondary population. However, literature is limited in its demographic reach, consideration for accessibility, equity, and stigma, and implementation of programs that focus on how to address the root causes of food insecurity, rather than providing emergency, short-term outreach.