Research Summary: Identifying barriers and opportunities for student engagement in decision-making in a meal provision programme in South Africa

Food insecurity within university settings is a significant issue globally, particularly in the global South, impacting student health, academic performance, and social well-being. While universities implement meal provision programs to address this, there is a recognized gap in understanding how student engagement in decision-making processes influences the effectiveness and sustainability of these programs. Current research lacks comprehensive insights into both student and management perspectives on barriers and opportunities for such engagement, particularly in regions like South Africa.

Why it matters

Addressing food insecurity among students is critical for fostering a supportive educational environment and ensuring equitable access to learning. Understanding and integrating student perspectives into meal program decision-making can enhance program relevance, adoption, and long-term viability, thereby contributing to institutional effectiveness and student success.

Key insights

• Food insecurity in universities negatively affects student health, mental health, academic performance, and social integration.
• Universities globally are responding to food insecurity through the implementation of meal provision programs.
• Student inclusion in decision-making is hypothesized to improve the uptake, efficacy, and sustainability of meal programs.
• There is a research gap regarding factors influencing student engagement in decision-making for university meal programs in the global South.
• Existing studies do not sufficiently incorporate perspectives from both students and program managers regarding engagement in meal provision.
• The study aims to identify specific barriers and opportunities for student engagement in a meal provision program in South Africa.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1913888