This poster reviews prevalence, risk factors, and health consequences of food insecurity and proposes a solution to fill a gap in Oxford’s food insecurity services. This solution is inspired by proposals presented by students at the 2020 Social Innovation Weekend where students worked in teams to understand food insecurity and develop solutions. Food insecurity impacts many populations, including older adults who will benefit from the proposed solution reviewed in this poster. This report builds a framework for how to improve the services that Oxford provides for home-bound, food insecure seniors. The home delivery program run by Oxford Seniors must abide by food safety standards that result in a brief, impersonal visit. I propose that these services could be improved by connecting Miami students to the already existing Friendly Visitor Program. This companionship program has not taken off, but an improved awareness campaign and partnership forming could bring this program more success. This campaign will only be possible once SARS-CoV-2 isolation precautions have been lifted, so I suggest that this framework be used by a future Miami student in the future. The experience of food insecure older adults is one that must not be overlooked so that all citizens of Oxford can experience food security and a sense of connection to their community.
Author: Grace Sonderman
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Beth Miller, Kinesiology and Health, and Dr. Cameron Hay-Rollins, Anthropology
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