Abstract:

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified economic vulnerabilities and disrupted food supply chains, potentially exacerbating food insecurity among postsecondary students/persons with disabilities.

This project has two aims:
(1) to systematically review peer-reviewed literature and online studies describing the prevalence and socio-demographic associations of food insecurity in the District of Columbia for postsecondary disabled persons, and
(2) to conduct investigatory action research among disabled postsecondary students/persons with disabilities in the District's disability and food organizations, utilizing mixed methods and action research findings from the literature review, focused discussions, and expert panels.

Background & Significance:
The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated economic vulnerabilities and disruptions in food supply, likely worsening food insecurity among postsecondary students/persons with disabilities. This vulnerability affects their educational outcomes and has long-term implications for their health and well-being. Our project aims to address this issue by systematically reviewing food insecurity's prevalence and socio-demographic associations and conducting investigatory action research among postsecondary disabled students/persons with disabilities in Wards 7 and 8.

Specific Objectives:
Our overarching goal is to understand the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity among postsecondary students/persons with disabilities in Wards 7 and 8. Specific objectives include describing the prevalence of food insecurity, investigating its associations, and recommending potential solutions through collaboration with experts and targeted research activities. Ultimately, we aim to shed light on the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity among a vulnerable population and develop actionable recommendations to address this issue, thereby improving the well-being of postsecondary disabled students/persons with disabilities in Wards 7 and 8.

Methods:
We employed mixed methods, action research, and collaboration with experts and organizations in disability and food insecurity to conduct our research. Our methods included a literature review, focused discussions, surveys, and data analysis. Ethical considerations were addressed by obtaining IRB approval and securing funding for the project.

Results and Conclusions:
Our research endeavors have led to successful collaboration with experts, implementing an action research study, and securing funding to support the project and personnel. Notable achievements include securing $50,000 in research support and planning a Food Insecurity Conference to disseminate research results and support food-insecure research participants in Wards 7 and 8.

Keywords:

Education, Food Insecurity, Post-Secondary Disabled Persons, Environmental Justice.