Document Tag: social work

A Call to Action: How Social Work Programs Can Respond to Student Food Insecurity (2024)

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated student food insecurity on college campuses and exposed the vulnerability of institutions with no food emergency response. During the COVID-19 pandemic and for years to come, the need for social work to lead efforts on college campuses to address student food insecurity is even greater. The need will continue to be significant for social workers in higher education to support students with basic needs, including resources for food, housing, childcare, and transportation. As has been true after other pandemics and economic downturns, professionally trained social workers are critical to brokering resources for individuals in crisis. This article critically examines the role of social work education in addressing the issue of student food insecurity. Through a conceptual lens, it explores the many dimensions of this problem and highlights vital contributions that social work can make within a higher education setting to alleviate food insecurity, enhance student well-being, and promote equitable opportunities for academic success.

Social work educators and student wellness needs (2024)

When students struggle with inconsistent food or housing, social distress, or mental health challenges, this can directly impede their learning. Social Work educators in the United States were surveyed to understand what influences their sense of responsibility to address these student issues. 74% of the 116 respondents indicated that they have developed an increased sense of responsibility to address these issues over their time as educators. Student focused concerns were the most common motivation guiding this sense of responsibility, followed by personal and professional motivations. Understanding how social work educators determine how and when to address student wellness needs will continue to influence student learning and the development of future social workers.