Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Williams, Frankie

Committee Member

Moyen, Eric

Committee Member

Tharp, Paula

Committee Member

McMullan, Lee Ann

Date of Degree

5-15-2026

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Major

Educational Leadership (P-12 School Leadership)

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Teacher Education and Leadership

Abstract

Title of Study: The lived experiences of Mississippi school leaders addressing food insecurity in their schools Pages in Study 135 Candidate for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Food insecurity among children in the United States remains a significant concern for educational leaders. Researchers have consistently found a relationship between food insecurity and diminished student academic outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine how school leaders and teachers in schools in Mississippi describe their lived experiences responding to students dealing with food insecurity. The research study included semi-structured interviews with 12 principals and teacher leaders from four schools within the state. Three major themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) school leaders widely recognized the presence of food insecurity among students; (2) participants school leaders perceived a professional responsibility to identify and respond to food insecurity; and (3) community partnerships were viewed as essential for addressing student food insecurity. The findings highlight the critical role of school leadership and community partnerships in addressing student food insecurity and suggest the need for coordinated school-community responses

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