Embarrassment: a significant barrier to the use of food pantries

Embarrassment is a significant barrier to the use of food pantries, particularly among vulnerable populations like college students. Research has shown that the stigma associated with using food pantries often leads individuals to avoid these resources, even when they are in need. For example, a study conducted at Texas Woman’s University found that social stigma was one of the major barriers preventing students from accessing on-campus food pantries, despite a high prevalence of food insecurity among the student population.

Similarly, another study explored the barriers to food pantry use among college students at the University of Florida. It highlighted that many students are reluctant to use food pantries due to embarrassment, which is compounded by the fear of being judged by peers. This reluctance significantly hampers efforts to address food insecurity through campus food pantries.

These findings underline the need for strategies that normalize food pantry use and reduce the associated stigma, such as offering more discreet access to these services and better educating the campus community about the importance and availability of food assistance programs.

For more detailed insights, you can refer to the studies published in PLOS ONE and Nutrients on this topic.

Fear of Stigma Reduces the use of food pantries

Here are details about two studies related to the impact of embarrassment on the use of food pantries:

1. "Use and Perceptions of a Campus Food Pantry Among Food Insecure College Students: An Exploratory Study from Appalachia"

• Authors: Laura McArthur, Kimberly S. Fasczewski, Alisha Farris, Miranda R. Petrone

• Published: 2020

• Details: This study explored the use and perceptions of a campus food pantry by food-insecure students. It found that embarrassment was a significant factor preventing some students from using the pantry, despite the benefits it provided to those who did.

• DOI: 10.13023/jah.0202.02

2. "The Impacts of a Food Pantry on College Students"

• Author: Courtney Howell

• Published: 2022

• Details: This dissertation investigated how a food pantry at a large public university impacted students. It noted that while food pantries positively affected students' financial stability and academic performance, feelings of embarrassment and stigma were significant barriers to their use.

• URL: University of Central Florida - Electronic Theses and Dissertations

These studies highlight the challenges of overcoming stigma and embarrassment in accessing food pantries, particularly among college students.