At a time of heightened crisis in the world, where we are focusing our efforts on explorations of the transformative potential of action research, this paper considers how feminist action research (FAR) can help to address food insecurity on our own campus and those throughout Michigan. In the U.S., the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice’s survey research estimates that approximately 50% of community college students and 40% of four-year university students are food insecure.
Set in the global north around those inequalities associated with food insecurity and focused on the value of collaborative research, we showcase an application of concept mapping that honors the principles of FAR in practice. In particular, we analyze how we did or did not apply principles of FAR, as defined by Reid (2004) —inclusion, participation, action, social change, and researcher reflexivity—in planning, facilitating, and conducting the 2016 Michigan College Campuses Food Pantry Summit with campus pantry practitioners. In practice, for example, ‘action’ may mean sharing preliminary data immediately at the summit, in technical reports, and follow up emails to support timely and collective efforts toward institutional, community, or policy changes. Also, by sharing our event agenda, we suggest that concept mapping requires careful consideration of underlying epistemology as partners determine the logistics of all related activities.
Our summit led to the formation of a regional community of practitioners, enabled an exchange of institutional best practices among campus pantries, and informed federal policy on food access for college students. Through this paper, we attempt to provide valuable insights around the potential of action research to fuel change across system levels – all the way to policy change.
We invite you to learn more about this experience by reading our article HERE. Free 15-day access is available for this article beginning 17 August.
After you’ve had a chance to read this piece, please share your thoughts, ideas, or experiences with our community in the comments section so we can continue this discussion!
Image description: The College University Pantries (CUP) research team at University of Michigan-Dearborn uses action research to address food insecurity on college campuses. For more information, go to: https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/cupresearch/home