Abstract

College students represent a unique population of adults, who may be more likely to experience food insecurity due to their transient circumstances, limited access to resources, and increased educational expenses. But little is known about how college students and their households mitigate food insecurity, particularly during a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. The Household Observations of Meals and Environments (HOME) Study described how college students in the US utilized multilevel resources, including an on-campus food pantry, to maintain food security during the pandemic. A convenience sample of college students (n = 18) were recruited from an on-campus food pantry and provided quantitative and qualitative data through online surveys and in-depth Zoom interviews. Survey data were analyzed to describe sociodemographic characteristics. In-depth interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify emergent themes. Social support and the use of an on-campus food pantry were primary factors in maintaining a food security safety net. Students faced barriers when trying to access federal and state food assistance programs and identified multilevel resources, their food security, and the role of social support as facilitators in their perceptions of food insecurity status and experiences. Findings highlight practical implications for research related to on-campus food insecurity interventions and policies to support food security among college students.

Highlights

  • The multilevel societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have dramatically increased food insecurity for some population groups in the United States (US) [1,2]

  • The present study suggests that the social support of the food insecure college student may reinforce self-efficacy by providing a personal safety net and help college students maintain food security

  • Results show that having access to an on-campus food pantry aids students in coping with food insecurity

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Summary

Introduction

The multilevel societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have dramatically increased food insecurity for some population groups in the United States (US) [1,2]. Between 2011 and 2019, rates of food insecurity in the US declined overall [3]. During times of stress and crisis, food insecurity tends to increase, especially for vulnerable populations [3,4,5]. Research indicates that rates of food insecurity among US households may have increased by as much as 32% as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic [1]. Studies of previous disasters demonstrate that, for many, increased food insecurity continues to be an issue even after the major stressor has concluded [4,6]

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