The thesis titled "The URI Free Farmers' Market and Food Access Among College Students" by Maria Meola examines the impact of a campus-based farmers' market at the University of Rhode Island (URI) on student food access and food security. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study explores the experiences and perceptions of students who utilized the Free Farmers’ Market (FFM) during the fall of 2022. The study found that students who used the market reported improvements in food access, yet many still faced food insecurity. Key themes include the need for nutrition education, positive perceptions of the FFM, and potential program improvements. The findings suggest that campus-based food programs like the FFM can positively impact food security but must be paired with additional resources to fully meet students' needs.
Source: vecteezy