EPAS SCRIPT

Kent: (slide 1)
“Good morning to our panelist, we are group 1 of EPAS and today we will present our research
entitled: Food Insecurity: the Negative Impacts on Students Academic Performance and the
Possible Interventions. My name is Kent Jenzent Cabrera and I’m with my groupmates.”
( Introduce yourselves isa-isa)
“For our background of the study, let us give a moment for Myldrew to discuss it.”
Myldrew: (Slide 2)
“Food insecurity is a pressing issue that affects millions of people worldwide and can have a
range of negative impacts on both physical and mental health. Student food insecurity can have
a significant impact on their academic performance.
Studies have shown that students who experience food insecurity are more likely to have lower
GPAs, experience academic burnout, and struggle to focus during classes and while studying.
Food insecurity can also have a significant financial impact on students, making it harder to
afford school expenses.
One potential solution to student food insecurity is providing free meals at school, which can
ensure students have regular access to nutritious and sufficient food. This can help level the
playing field for students from low-income families and improve student academic performance
by ensuring that students have access to nutritious food.”

Lawrence: (slide 3,4,5)

“We researchers aims to investigate the negative impacts of food insecurity to students
academic performance and possible interventions. We seek to answer these questions, “what
is food Insecurity?”, “what are the negative impacts of food insecurity to students academic
performance?” and “what are the possible interventions to aid the negative impacts of food
insecurity?”
The purpose of our study is to identify what food insecurity is and it’s impacts on academic
performance of the students and the possible interventions.
To further understand our research, these are the terms we used and its operational meaning.
1.Food Insecurity – It pertains to the lack of reliable access to enough food to meet the needs of
all students due to financial problem that can lead to increased rates of absenteeism can also
lead to students being unable to focus on their studies due to hunger or nutrition-related
health problems.
2.Impacts – It pertains to the decreased ability to concentrate in class and increased
absenteeism, which in turn can lead to lower grades.
3.Interventions – It pertains to the provision of free meals for students.
4.Academic Performance – It pertains to how well the students perform in class which can be
affected by food insecurity.
5.Burnout – It pertains to the state of exhaustion, both physical and emotional that results from
prolonged exposure to high levels of stress that is caused by food insecurity.

KC: (Slide 6,7,8,9)

We found related studies and literatures that strongly support our research.
According to Conrad, food insecurity is a broad and multifaceted issue determined by varying
levels of influence holding the capacity to create shame and frustration in the students
experiencing the circumstance. In addition to having higher rates of fair or poor physical health
when compared to food secure students, those experiencing food insecurity are more likely to
report negative mental health symptoms, such as depression and stress, which have been
identified by students as factors negatively impacting and connected academic potential.
Mechler’s study also support our research. He found that students who experience food
insecurity are more likely to struggle academically and less likely to complete their degree. The
study suggests that food insecurity can be a significant barrier to success in college, both by
directly affecting students' ability to focus on schoolwork and by indirectly affecting them
emotionally and mentally. The study concludes that addressing food insecurity can have a
positive effect on the well-being and success of college students
According to McGovern, food insecurity can contribute to increased distractions and stress,
which can affect students' ability to focus and learn. and it is also said here that if you don't eat
and you go to school and you may not be able to participate properly because you are
undernourished you will not be able to focus on your studies.
To support our possible intervention, a study found that providing free breakfast to students
who did not eat in the morning before entering and to students who lack food, they can
participate properly in school and study well. That is according to Brownell.

Ysaac: (slide 10, 11)

(Methodology) In collecting our data, we used phenomenological qualitative research design.
We used non-probability sampling technique with purposive method. Students were selected
based on our purpose. We conducted a face-to-face interview with the respondents and we use
our phone as instrument when recording their responses. The data collected were analyze
using thematic analysis.

(Findings)Based on our collected data, students think that food insecurity refers to the lack of
access to food due to financial constraints. It often results in not having enough food to meet
nutritional needs, leading to a range of negative outcomes, such as poor physical health, and
decreased academic performance and school attendance. All of our respondent agreed that
food insecurity can impact their academic performance. Our collected data have shown that
students who experience food insecurity are less likely to perform well academically. The
interventions that can address food insecurity among students is providing free meals to the
students where all of our respondents agreed to be effective
Kent: (slide 12)

(Conclusion) Based on our findings, we researchers conclude that; first, students think that food
insecurity refers to the lack of access to food due to financial constraints. Second, students who
experience food insecurity are less likely to perform well academically. Lastly, the intervention
that can address food insecurity among students is providing free meals for them.

Cristine: (slide 13)

(Recommendation)After our conclusion, we researchers recommend to the teachers to

encourage the school community to provide healthy snacks and meals to students, particularly
those who are experiencing food insecurity. You can also work with the school administration
to create a system that provides free or reduced-price lunch programs for all students.
We also recommend to the school to implement a program that provide free meals to the
students who are experiencing food insecurity.

That’s all for our presentation. Thank you for listening!