Exploring the Impact of Campus-Based Food Pantry Utilization and Food Security Levels on Sense of Belonging in Nevada Community College Students: A Quantitative Causal-Comparative Study

The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental, causal-comparative research study was to examine the relationship between community college students’ campus-based food pantry utilization and sense of belonging, based on level of food security. This study was essential in a community college setting, because food insecurity has become prevalent, and the implementation of food pantries has the potential to meet not only physiological needs but also belonging needs. The study consisted of a convenience sample of at least 126 participants from an urban community college in Nevada. Participants were asked via email to anonymously complete a Qualtrics survey made up of two instruments: the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s six-item Short Form Food Security Survey Module and the 24-item University Belonging Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance. In the case of each null hypothesis, the researcher failed to reject the null. With regard to null hypothesis 1, the researcher rejected the null hypothesis at the 95% confidence level, F(1, 142) = 2.93, p = .089. In regard to null hypothesis 2, the researcher failed reject the null hypothesis at the 95% confidence level, F(2, 142) = 0.20, p = .815. For null hypothesis 3, the researcher failed to reject the null hypothesis at the 95% confidence level, F(2, 142) = 0.73, p = .484. The results indicated there was no statistically significant difference in sense of belonging between students who utilized a campus-based food pantry and those who did not. It is recommended that future studies be conducted at different institutional types and different settings and further study be conducted to examine if food pantry utilization impacts others student success indicators.