Factors Associated with Food Insecurity and Food Assistance Program Participation among University Students

Ashley Simon,Keiko Goto,Stephanie Bianco,Jenny Breed

doi:10.32398/cjhp.v16i1.2126

Ashley Simon, Keiko Goto + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.32398/cjhp.v16i1.2126

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Abstract

Background and Significance: Food insecurity is an emerging issue among college students. It impacts the lives of many university students due to financial reasons. There is limited information about factors that affect food insecurity in that population. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine factors associated with food insecurity and food assistance program participation among college students. Methods: Food security status was determined using the short form of the USDA’s Food Security Survey Module. Results: Out of 116 students, 50 students (43.1%) were food insecure. Food insecurity was inversely associated with self-reported cumulative grade point averages. Only 24% of food insecure students participated in food assistance programs. Students who were involved in campus activities were significantly more likely to participate in food assistance programs. University-level policies and programs that help students combat food insecurity need to be considered. Conclusion: The inverse association between food insecurity and academic success indicates the importance of addressing food insecurity issues to foster their academic and professional success among university students. More research on strategies for promoting food assistance programs to college students is warranted. © 2018 Californian Journal of Health Promotion. All rights reserved.

Highlights

Food insecurity is defined as the “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways” (Anderson, 1990)
The current study aims to address food insecurity issues among university students in order to foster their academic and professional success
Simple linear regression demonstrated that food security was a significant factor associated with grade point average (GPA) (p=0.041)

Summary

Introduction

Food insecurity is defined as the “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways” (Anderson, 1990). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced categories for describing a household’s food security status ranging from high food security to very low food security (USDA, 2015). Food insecurity is an emerging issue among college students. It impacts the lives of many university students due to financial reasons. There is limited information about factors that affect food insecurity in that population This cross-sectional study aimed to examine factors associated with food insecurity and food assistance program participation among college students. 24% of food insecure students participated in food assistance programs. Conclusion: The inverse association between food insecurity and academic success indicates the importance of addressing food insecurity issues to foster their academic and professional success among university students. More research on strategies for promoting food assistance programs to college students is warranted

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