Examining food security among minority student groups, with particular attention on diversity and inclusion

Abstract

Objective: To identify signs of food insecurity (FI) and coping strategies among university students from three minority groups. Participants: Participants consisted of 3155 university students: 25.58% first-generation, 16.86% nonwhite, and 4.63% international. Methods: Students answered a questionnaire composed of the 2-item Hunger Vital Sign for food security, and questions about demographics, food campus resources, and coping strategies. Results: Among the three minorities, most students (53-57%) reported being food insecure. The food insecurity status was associated with being a senior, or graduate student, having participated in high school food programs, and use of university food resources in all minority groups. Also, a variation in the use of coping strategies to obtain food was reported among minority groups. Conclusion: There is a need to articulate minorities’ awareness and use of the university’s nutritional resources to face the high rates of FI. Campus initiatives should focus on the reality of underserved populations.