Abstract
Variations of the BackPack Food Program are implemented in cities and states throughout the nation, however little is known regarding the effects that providing this food has on student performance in school. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the BackPack Food Program's effectiveness in combating student's hunger over the weekends and school breaks, thus decreasing student's self-reported hunger levels. Additionally, this study attempted to analyze the program's effects on student's on-task behavior in the classroom. Over the course of three semesters, hunger surveys were evaluated for 82 students and observations of on-task behavior were recorded for 52 students. Statistical analysis indicated that reports of hunger did not decrease significantly and on-task behavior did not increase significantly. Several limitations must be considered when interpreting the results of this study. Therefore, results are discussed in terms of their implications for future research.
Advisor
Sarah K. Sifers
Committee Member
Jeffrey A. Buchanan
Committee Member
David L. Beimers
Date of Degree
2012
Language
english
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Ecker, M. E. (2012). The BackPack Food program's effects on self-reported hunger and on-task behavior. [Master’s thesis, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/26/
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