New Research from Baylor University Student-Faculty Pair Explores Hunger Among Teenagers in Waco
WASHINGTON, DC (September 17, 2019) – New research by Ana O’Quin (Baylor University ‘20) and faculty advisor Dr. Stephanie Boddie was published today by the Center for Public Justice (CPJ), a Christian civic education and public policy research organization based in Washington, D.C. Now in its second year, The Hatfield Prize (previously called the Student-Faculty Research Prize) honors the late Senator Mark O. Hatfield, a U.S. Senator from Oregon known for integrating his Christian faith and his public policy commitments. The Hatfield Prize is made possible through the generous support of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
O’Quin’s research focused on food insecurity among the teen population in Waco, Texas. In particular, the report focuses on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and makes recommendations for the ways that government and civil society institutions can respond to teen food insecurity. O’Quin completed her research during her junior year at Baylor University and is majoring in social work, with a minor in poverty and social justice. Boddie serves as assistant professor of Church and Community Ministries with affiliations at the Garland School of Social Work, Truett Theological Seminary, and the School of Education at Baylor University.
“I hope that teens and adults will be more aware of the magnitude of food insecurity in McLennon County and the opportunities to access services, as well as be better equipped to advocate for other solutions,” O’Quin said. “Ultimately, I would like to see teens more empowered to be a part of the change to address food insecurity and healthy food access.”
Said Boddie, “I hope that readers understand that when trying to create change in communities and in society, the most important voices to be heard are the people who are experiencing the issues themselves.”
O’Quin’s report is available online at SharedJustice.org. Print copies are available upon request. O’Quin and Boddie are both available for interview regarding their research findings.
The Center for Public Justice invites interested undergraduate students and professors to apply for the 2020 Hatfield Prize. Please visit SharedJustice.org to learn more or contact Katie Thompson at Katie.Thompson@CPJustice.org .
The Hatfield Prize awards funding annually to three student-faculty pairs from Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) institutions to conduct research on policies that impact vulnerable children, families, and communities. The Hatfield Prize is made possible through the generous support of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Shared Justice is the Center for Public Justice’s initiative for college students and young adults exploring the intersection of faith, politics, and public justice. Shared Justice provides Christian young adults with access to mentorship, a learning community, and a platform for practicing citizenship.
The Center for Public Justice is an independent, nonpartisan organization devoted to policy research and civic education. Working outside the familiar categories of right and left, conservative and liberal, we seek to help citizens and public officeholders respond to God's call to do justice.