P188 The Process Evaluation of Bobcat Bounty: A Campus Pantry Intervention

Background College food insecurity affects academic performance and as well as mental and physical health. In response, many universities have created on-campus food pantries. A total of 40% of Texas State students reported diminished food security that may be due to lack of access to acceptable food, knowledge of resources, or environmental factors. This project aims to evaluate the first year of implementation and the initial impact of the on-campus food pantry, Bobcat Bounty. Objective To examine the key factors necessary to support and sustain an on-campus food pantry. Study Design, Settings, and Participants The following strategies were used to evaluate the implementation of Bobcat Bounty: surveys and interviews with college student pantry clients, volunteer observations, student awareness surveys and intercept interviews, process evaluations of inventory data, and in-depth interviews with faculty/administrators serving on the steering committee. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Participant surveys and interviews assessed level of food security, environmental determinants for food security, and nutrition knowledge among participants. Descriptive analysis of survey data was performed in SPSS. Interviews were transcribed and coded for key constructs, such as characteristics of health champions, self-efficacy, social support, reinforcing factors, and sustainability. Results Participant surveys and interviews demonstrated the impact of Bobcat Bounty on participant food security, nutrition knowledge, and attitudes regarding community/university support. Results from volunteer observations and client satisfaction surveys yielded key indicators of pantry sustainability. Stakeholder interviews provided descriptions of support, self-efficacy, and leadership. Conclusion The evaluation of the on-campus food pantry resulted in the identification of key factors for sustained institutional support and the effectiveness of the pantry model. Funding Texas State University.