Environmental Studies and Sciences Senior Capstone

Date of Award

6-4-2026

Document Type

Poster

Abstract

Using a community-engaged mixed-methods research study, we sought to determine the extent to which supportive housing residents in Santa Clara County (SCC) are food insecure, as well as the possible causes, and how this can be addressed by the County and connected non-profits. Through interviews and surveys, we found that 84.62% of the residents surveyed were food insecure, and 62% did not agree that their food insecurity had improved while being in supportive housing. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the cause of food insecurity, as many housing sites provide meals to their residents multiple times a day. We also found that food system stakeholders, such as food providers, struggled to find funding and therefore to pursue solutions that may improve food insecurity, such as by accommodating dietary restrictions or surveying residents about the food they are provided.

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