Food insecurity disparities and impact on academic and social experiences among college students at a large public university

Abstract

Objective: This research seeks to understand food insecurity experiences among students at a large public university in the southern United States. Participants: Participants consented and completed an online survey disseminated on campus in April–May 2021 (N = 418). The participants sampled were predominantly undergraduate (78.2%), females (72.4%), who lived off campus (54.1%), and were racially/ethnically diverse. Methods: Descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression, and chi-squared tests were used to examine the differences and association between demographic characteristics and behaviors and food insecurity status. Results: About 32% students surveyed had experienced food insecurity in the last year, which resembles national trends. There were significant differences in students’ food insecurity status by race, sexual orientation, first-generation status, residential category, and main mode of transportation. Food insecurity impacted academic and socioeconomic student behaviors. Conclusions: This research has implications for improving the academic, physical, and psychological wellbeing of university students and should inform future programs and policies.