From proximity concerns to constant snacking: Narratives of food access and consumption patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: The goal of this research was to uncover narratives around food access and consumption among Black women who attend HBCUs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: Black women, ages 18-25. Methods: Focus groups were used to understand how participants defined healthy foods as well as barriers and facilitators of consumption. During the pandemic follow-up focus groups uncovered how COVID-19 impacted their access and consumption patterns. Results: Findings revealed that HCBU women faced similar and distinct concerns around food access prior to and during the pandemic. Students were limited by price, budgets, proximity to healthy foods, kitchen access, and cooking tools. However, proximity or transportation both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged students to access healthy foods. Conclusion: For students who are already at a societal disadvantage and attend a university located in a food desert, access to nutritious foods can be an exacerbated plight.

Using Black Feminist Theory and Methods to Uncover Best Practices in Health Promotion Programming.

This study was created to uncover the social determinants of Black American women's success in health promotion programs. We used the Superwoman Schema to understand the complexities of Black womanhood and uncover best practices in the promotion of their health. The sample consisted of women ages 18-25 who attend a large southern HBCU. We collected data using qualitative focus groups. Participants reported the greatest health-related concerns Black American women facing are mental health, obesity, and relationships with Black men. When it comes to health promotion programs, respondents reported a desire for classes that are fun, interactive, informative, educational, and include group interaction, accessible, and incentivize participation. Uncovering the social determinants of Black American women's health and program success is central in decreasing extant health disparities. Future health scholars are urged to incorporate Black feminist theory and methods into their work to create health promotion interventions tailored for Black women.