SNAP for U: Food insecurity and SNAP use among college students, including institution type differences

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine food insecurity and knowledge of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including barriers to and facilitators for enrolling in SNAP among college students in the Midwest. An obser­vational, cross-sectional online survey was admini­stered during Fall 2021 to Spring 2022. Participants included 844 college students from nine higher education institutions across Missouri. Of students who participated, 44.9% reported being food insecure, 67.9% reported knowing what SNAP was, and only 34.3% knew if they were eligible for SNAP. Students at private colleges [unadjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.79 (2.45-9.36), p<0.001)], community colleges [OR 3.21 95% CI (2.26-4.56), p<0.001)], technical schools [OR 2.21 95% CI (1.08-4.53), p=0.031], and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) [OR 2.05 95% CI (1.37-3.07)., p<0.001] reported higher odds of food security compared to public institutions. College students reported lack of knowledge of SNAP in general as the main barrier for enrollment and campus assistance as the main facilitator. Food insecurity is highly prevalent in Missouri college students, where SNAP knowl­edge and enrollment barriers persist. Findings sup­port a need for increased attention and resources to target college food insecurity.