College Food Insecurity Research Articles

“It’s not a matter of choice”: the intersectional and systemic nature of college food insecurity

ABSTRACT This study investigated college food insecurity as a systemic health communication and public health issue and examined how college students’ unique intersecting identities relate to their experiences of college food insecurity. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with 22 students who self-identified as being food-insecure. Results from a thematic analysis yielded three themes directly related to intersectionality and college food insecurity being a systemic issue: (a) Identity’s Influence on College Food Insecurity, (b) College Student Identity as a Marginalizing Identity, and (c) Institutional Responsibility. These themes explain how micro-level identities and the macro-level power structure of higher education function together in sustaining college food insecurity as a systemic issue. By researching college food insecurity as a systemic issue and placing food-insecure student voices at the center, this study is a steppingstone to one day eradicating a public health epidemic that is negatively affecting the lives of many college students.

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

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.

Social Determinants of Health and College Food Insecurity.

In recent years, many students have faced economic hardship and experienced food insecurity, even as universities strive to create more equitable pathways to college. There is a need for a more holistic perspective that addresses the complexity of food insecurity amongst college students. To this end, we examined the relationship between the social determinants of health, including college food insecurity (CoFI) and childhood food insecurity (ChFI), and their relationship with well-being measures. The study sample was a convenience sample that included 372 students at a public university who responded to an online survey in fall 2021. Students were asked to report their food security status in the previous 30 days. We used the following analytical strategies: chi-square tests to determine differences between food secure (FS) and food insecure (FI) students; binary logistic regression of CoFI on student demographics and ChFI; and ordinal or binary logistic regression for well-being measures. Black students, off-campus students, first-generation students, in-state students, and humanities/behavioral/social/health sciences majors were more likely to report CoFI. FI students were more likely to have experienced ChFI and to have lower scores on all well-being measures. ChFI was associated with four well-being measures and its effects were mediated by CoFI. College student health initiatives would benefit from accounting for SDOH, including ChFI experiences and its subsequent cumulative disadvantages experienced during college.

Advancing college food security: priority research gaps.

Despite over a decade of both quantitative and qualitative studies, food insecurity among US college/university students remains a pervasive problem within higher education. The purpose of this perspective piece was to highlight research gaps in the area of college food insecurity and provide rationale for the research community to focus on these gaps going forward. A group of food insecurity researchers from a variety of higher education institutions across the United States identified five thematic areas of research gaps: screening and estimates of food insecurity; longitudinal changes in food insecurity; impact of food insecurity on broader health and academic outcomes; evaluation of impact, sustainability and cost effectiveness of existing programmes and initiatives; and state and federal policies and programmes. Within these thematic areas, nineteen specific research gaps were identified that have limited or no peer-reviewed, published research. These research gaps result in a limited understanding of the magnitude, severity and persistence of college food insecurity, the negative short- and long-term impacts of food insecurity on health, academic performance and overall college experience, and effective solutions and policies to prevent or meaningfully address food insecurity among college students. Research in these identified priority areas may help accelerate action and interdisciplinary collaboration to alleviate food insecurity among college students and play a critical role in informing the development or refinement of programmes and services that better support college student food security needs.

Students as co-researchers: Using participatory action research to address college food insecurity

Studies indicate that college students experience high rates of food insecurity. Growing awareness of food insecurity on college campuses has resulted in efforts by many institutions to address the prob­lem through innovative programs such as food pantries, campus gardens, and educational work­shops. While these initiatives play an important role in facilitating food access, they fall short of meeting students’ needs. There is little research on how students’ experiences or knowledge can inform strategies to address food insecurity, nor is there extensive research on how students view this issue for themselves and their peers. This study looks at the benefits of engaging students in participatory action research (PAR) to address college food insecurity. PAR is particularly well suited to address campus food insecurity given its tenets of research, reflection, and action. This paper examines how a PAR project, conducted throughout a semester-long community-engaged learning course at the University of San Francisco (USF), resulted in innovative strategies to address college food insecurity. This justice-based research approach deepened students’ understanding of the issue and inspired them to want to change their campus food systems. Students worked to shift the narrative of food insecurity on campus away from an individual experience that carries stigma toward one of community, relationships, and collective action. This study shows the opportunities to address food insecurity not only through immedi­ate needs-based solutions but also through a justice-based research methodology that centers student experiences and knowledge.

Profile of a Food-Insecure College Student at a Major Southeastern University: A Randomized Cross-Sectional Study.

Ten percent of Americans are food-insecure. Few known studies have accessed college food insecurity via random sampling. An online cross-sectional survey (n = 1087) was distributed via email to a random sample of undergraduate college students. Food insecurity was determined by the USDA Food Security Short Form. Data were analyzed using JMP Pro. Results: Thirty-six percent of the students were food-insecure. Most food-insecure students were enrolled full-time (93.6%), female (81.2%), received financial aid (77.9%), lived off-campus (75.0%), non-white (59.6%), and employed (51.7%). Food-insecure students had a significantly lower GPA (p < 0.001 *), were more likely to be non-white (p < 0.0001 *), and were more likely to have received financial aid compared to food-secure students (p < 0.0001 *). Food-insecure students were significantly more likely to have lived in government housing, had free or reduced lunch, used SNAP and WIC benefits, and received food from a food bank during childhood (p < 0.0001 * for all). Food-insecure students were significantly less likely to report that they experienced a food shortage to counseling and wellness personnel, a resident assistant, and their parents (p < 0.05 * for all). Discussion: College students might be at greater risk for food insecurity if they are non-white, first-generation students, employed, on financial aid, and have a history of accessing government assistance during childhood.

Intersectionality of Self-Reported Food Insecurity and Perceived Stress of College Students at a Land-Grant Southeastern Higher Education Institution during the COVID-19 Pandemic

College food insecurity (FI) and poor psychosocial health are prevalent public health issues in the U.S., yet often overlooked. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, repercussions on these critical inequity issues remain unclear. During the summer months of 2020, this cross-sectional survey examined associations between students’ self-reported FI and perceived stress (PSS-10), one aspect of poor psychosocial health. An anonymous online survey was distributed to a convenience sample of college students at a land grant institution of higher education in the southeastern U.S., and $10 e-gift card was provided to survey respondents. The survey response rate was 26.2% (n=235) and participants were predominantly female, White, and from upper-division including junior and senior students. Among respondents, 31.3% were food insecure and 37.8% were laid off or temporarily furloughed. Students who worked before the pandemic were 3.49 times more likely to continue working despite the pandemic; however, employment status was not significantly associated with since-PSS-10 scores or FI. In multiple linear regression models, pre-PSS-10 scores, age, and lower division were significant predictors of since-PSS-10 scores. Additionally, students experiencing FI and having higher pre-PSS-10 scores were predicted of having higher since-PSS-10 scores. This study adds important findings about college FI and perceived stress to the limited literature regarding college student health during the pandemic. A more rigorous study design with a larger, nationally or regionally representative sample is recommended for future studies. To address both complex issues of college FI and poor psychosocial health, a multi-faceted interdisciplinary approach, well-supported by college administrators, would be warranted.

Evaluation of a sustainable student-led initiative on a college campus addressing food waste and food insecurity

Food waste and food insecurity present a troubling paradox found across the globe, in local communi­ties, and on college campuses. The Campus Kitch­en at the University of Kentucky (CK) is a student-led, sustainability-focused service organiza­tion in the Feeding America Network that can serve as a local food waste checkpoint in the south­east region of the United States and address com­munity and campus food insecurity through com­munity-build­ing activities. Farm-to-Fork (F2F), a free weekly meal and education program of CK, provides a case study of leveraging existing resources like student volunteers, CK infrastruc­ture, and campus partners to address college food insecurity. In this case study, we evaluate the pilot model of CK and its F2F Program. The data gath­ered consist of the amount of food recovered, the number of meals prepared and distributed, and demographics and behavioral perceptions of col­lege students attend­ing F2F. From August 2018 to December 2019, CK food recovery and meal data were collected and an F2F cross-sectional student survey (N=284) was administered twice. The pro­gram develop­ment, implementation, and evaluation of F2F relies on the social -ecological model (SEM) to capture and highlight the complicated issues of food waste and food insecurity, and the layered approach any initiative addressing such issues must take. Ulti­mately, F2F highlights how programs such as CK can expand their missions of reducing food waste and food insecurity in communities and on college campuses. CK’s economically and envi­ronmentally sustainable practices can be built upon to improve the diversion of food waste and use socially inclu­sive approaches to provide healthy meals and resources to populations experiencing challenges with food insecurity, both on and off campus, as well as educate all those involved. In turn, such an initiative highlights the need to move beyond stopgap measures, such as food pantries, in both community and campus programs targeting food waste and food insecurity.

Campus-based programmes to address food insecurity vary in leadership, funding and evaluation strategies.

College food insecurity is a known detriment to student success, but little is known about the implementation of campus-based programmes to help address this issue on campus in the United States. The objective of this research study was to determine the types of food insecurity initiatives implemented and assess how such programmes are managed, funded, and evaluated. A cross-sectional, 23-item online survey was administered among individuals involved with campus food insecurity initiatives identified through professional networks. Food pantries were the most common (97.1%) and mobile food sharing applications were the least common (14.7%) food security initiatives. A majority of respondents (69.7%) stated that at least one programme on their campus was evaluated, although the methods varied and uncertainty about the methods used was common. An allocated budget was provided at some institutions (38.9%), but funding mechanisms varied. Student Life Offices were most commonly reported as being responsible for programme management. Most respondents (75.3%) reported there had been programme changes due to COVID-19. This research confirmed that food insecurity programmes are widely available, although the type, funding, and leadership of these programmes vary. A coordinated approach on campus to align programming efforts is needed.

P001 A Qualitative Study to Compare Food-Insecure College Students’ Eating Behaviors With and Without Access to a Campus Food Pantry

<h3>Background</h3> Food-insecure college students have an increased likelihood of developing disordered eating behaviors, possibly due to coping behaviors including restriction when food is scarce and bingeing when food is abundant. While more and more universities are adding on-campus food pantries, it is unclear how access to on-campus food pantries impacts eating behaviors and food insecurity. <h3>Objective</h3> To explore how the cycle of food abundance and scarcity impacts food-insecure college students' eating behaviors and how access to a campus food pantry impacts this cycle. <h3>Study Design, Settings, and Participants</h3> Food-insecure, undergraduate students (n = 40) from institutions around Illinois with food pantries (n = 20) and without food pantries (n = 20) who met inclusion criteria completed one-on-one semi-structured interviews via Zoom. <h3>Outcome Measures and Analysis</h3> Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Investigators performed content analysis to identify and compare themes among participants with and without access to a campus food pantry. <h3>Results</h3> Students with and without access to a campus food pantry discussed similar experiences, including experiencing periods of food abundance and scarcity, and using a variety of food-related behaviors to cope with their food situation. Some students attending institutions with an on-campus food pantry were unaware that a pantry existed. Students from both types of institutions reported that although they did not use one, an on-campus pantry has the potential to increase food availability and improve eating habits; however, regardless if a pantry was on campus, students reported that shame and embarrassment would prevent them from using university resources. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Food-insecure college students may exhibit disordered eating behaviors, including restriction and binge eating, to cope with their food situation. Furthermore, the existence of a campus food pantry alone is insufficient for addressing college food insecurity and the corresponding disordered eating behaviors. <h3>Funding</h3> Bradley University C. C. Wheeler Institute

P083 Student Voices at the Table: Proposed Solutions to College Food Insecurity From College Students Who Are Currently Experiencing It

<h3>Background</h3> College students are a vulnerable population to food insecurity (FI), which has significant implications for academic and health outcomes. Few qualitative studies have reported solutions to address hunger on campuses proposed by college students experiencing FI to inform the design of policy, education, and nutrition interventions. <h3>Objective</h3> To explore ideal food situations and solutions to address FI proposed by college students experiencing food insecurity. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with college students attending a large, land grant university in the Southeast United States to identify student perceived solutions to FI in relation to food access and resource utilization. Thirty students who screened as food insecure according to the USDA 6-item Household Food Security Screener Module were recruited. Interviews were conducted virtually via Zoom in the fall semester of 2020 and spring semester of 2021. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Interviews were transcribed verbatim and uploaded into NVivo Version 1.6.1 for analysis. Data was inductively coded by two independent coders with an inter-rater reliability (IRR) score of 0.92. Grounded theory methodology was utilized with a constant comparative methodology to guide thematic analysis and analyst triangulation. <h3>Results</h3> Several themes related to proposed solutions emerged, informed by student experiences with current FI interventions: provision of a food scholarship or grocery stipend; education encompassing nutrition, cooking, and budgeting; financial assistance for student housing and other basic needs; centralization and awareness of preexisting resources; and increased access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Students' own definitions of FI in relation to their experience in higher education were also explored as testimonials. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Centering student voices illuminates proposed solutions to effectively mitigate FI and how campus resources can be improved in relation to student needs. Findings are formative for the implementation of students' proposed FI interventions and subsequent testing is needed. Further investigation of the efficacy of current interventions can guide the development of an evidence-base for program development and institutional frameworks. <h3>Funding</h3> None

“It’s just a constant concern in the back of my mind”: Lived experiences of college food insecurity

Objective: Food insecurity is a growing concern to the health and wellbeing of college students. This study aims to examine the lived experiences of students at-risk of food insecurity and associated challenges in a public urban campus. Participants: The study recruited 21 college students at risk of food insecurity using purposive sampling. Methods: We performed qualitative interviews with three focus groups and conducted a thematic analysis to explore themes that emerged from participant discussions. Results: Three central themes emerged from our qualitative analysis: (a) barriers to accessing stable and healthy food; (b) impacts of food insecurity on academic performance and physical and mental health; and (c) coping strategies for navigating food insecurity. Conclusions: The study highlights the distinct natures of food hardship and responses specific to urban public college students. Suggestions for academics and college administrators to mitigate college food insecurity are discussed.

A Decade of College Student Hunger: What We Know and Where We Need to Go.

The first article on college food insecurity, published in 2009, sparked conversation on the dark secret many students face while seeking a college degree; they do not have secure access to food. Over 10 years later, numerous investigators around the globe have reported on the heightened prevalence of college food insecurity, the correlates that increase risk, and the detrimental outcomes associated with not having a secure source of food. In this manuscript, we describe the decade of research devoted to college food insecurity and provide direction for research, programs, and policies moving forward. Replicable and valid data collection methods must be utilized, campus-based program evaluation implemented and disseminated, and evidence-based policies supported to achieve realistic goals of warding off hunger and food insecurity on college campuses as well as improve the lives of individuals after post-secondary education. Collectively, stakeholders on college campuses as well as off-campus advocates can be the catalyst to creating a nutritionally secure environment and it is imperative that food insecurity be prevented on college campuses to ensure college students are able to achieve degree attainment.

Newly Food-Insecure College Students in Appalachia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectiveThis study investigated if the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic influenced college student food insecurity and factors that might contribute to a student becoming newly food insecure. DesignA convenience sample was assessed using a cross-sectional survey. SettingOnline. ParticipantsCollege students (n = 2,018) enrolled at a land-grant institution in Appalachia. Main Outcome Measure(s)Food insecurity was assessed using the Hunger Vital Sign with reference before COVID-19 and since COVID-19. Demographic and pandemic-specific questions and their associations with food insecurity status were assessed. AnalysisStudents were categorized as food secure (food secure before and since COVID-19 or food insecure in the year before COVID-19 but not food insecure since COVID-19), consistently food insecure (food insecure before and since COVID-19), and newly food insecure (food secure before but food insecure since COVID-19). Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between new food insecurity and contributing factors. ResultsOf respondents, 68.4% were food secure, 16.5% were consistently food insecure, and 15.1% were newly food insecure. Loss of employment, increased grocery expenditure, anxiety, and a perceived threat posed by COVID-19 were significant indicators of students being newly food insecure. Conclusions and ImplicationsMore students were facing food insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued advocacy for sustainable solutions to college food insecurity is needed.

Food Insecurity on College and University Campuses: A Context and Rationale for Solutions

Food Insecurity on College and University Campuses: A Context and Rationale for Solutions

Struggling with the basics: food and housing insecurity among college students across twenty-two colleges and universities

Objectives To quantify the number and type of students failing to secure basic needs. Participants Students attending 22 postsecondary schools in the United States in Fall 2019. Methods The Adult Food Security Module and part of the #RealCollege Survey were used to measure food and housing insecurity, respectively. Logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between selected factors and basic needs insecurities. Results Participants (n = 22,153) were classified as 44.1% and 52.3% food insecure and housing insecure, respectively. Homeless students or those who experienced childhood food insecurity were at the greatest odds of college food insecurity. Year in school was the largest contributor to being housing insecure, with PhD or EdD students being 1,157% more likely to experience housing insecurity compared to freshmen. Conclusions High prevalence of basic needs insecurities remain. Current campus initiatives may be insufficient, calling for a more holistic approach at the campus, state, and national levels.

The Long-Term Effect of Food Insecurity During College on Future Food Insecurity

Food insecurity has been associated with adverse health and academic outcomes among college students. However, little is known about the long-term impacts of experiencing food insecurity during college. This study examines the impacts of college food insecurity (measured from 1999 to 2003) on future food insecurity (measured from 2015 to 2017) and whether this association differs by economic independence during college. Data came from 1,508 participants in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, the longest-running and nationally representative panel survey. Household food security was assessed using the 18-item U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module during college enrollment in 1999-2003 and again during adulthood in 2015-2017. Generalized linear models were used to examine the impacts of college food insecurity on food insecurity in adulthood, adjusting for individual- and family-level sociodemographic characteristics. Data analysis was conducted in 2020-2021. After multivariable adjustment, college food insecurity was associated with an increased prevalence of food insecurity in adulthood (prevalence ratio=1.45, 95% CI=1.16, 1.81). This association was more pronounced among students who were economically independent from their parents during college (prevalence ratio=2.23, 95% CI=1.27, 3.90). Food insecurity during college is associated with a higher prevalence of food insecurity in early to middle adulthood, particularly among economically independent students. Given the seemingly cyclical nature of food insecurity over the life course, policies are needed to alleviate food insecurity during the critical college years.

Sociodemographic and health disparities among students screening positive for food insecurity: Findings from a large college health surveillance system

Food insecurity among college students has begun to be recognized as a pressing social issue. However, much of the research in this area to date is limited by factors like small sample sizes and convenience sampling. The objective of this study was to assess sociodemographic and health disparities among two- and four-year post-secondary students screening positive for food insecurity, using one of the largest relevant health surveillance databases available. This study included analyses of pooled annual data (2015-2018; n=13,720) from students participating in state-based surveillance of 27 two- and four-year Minnesota post-secondary institutions. Food security was determined using a validated two-item screener. Disparities were examined across numerous factors including: sociodemographic, economic, academic, institutional, nutrition and weight-related health risk and resiliency. In total, 24% of students experienced food insecurity. Findings highlighted stark disparities, with notably high positive screening rates of food insecurity among non-Hispanic Black (43%), transgender/non-binary (42%) and first-generation (33%) students. Food insecurity was significantly associated with nearly every adverse health factor examined, despite controlling for demographics (p<0.0001). Overall, these findings represent one of the largest peer-reviewed studies of college food insecurity to date and underscore robust differences between who experiences food insecurity and who does not. They also highlight troubling health risks that accompany food insecurity. Importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these realities. To inform prevention efforts, additional research is urgently needed, including cohort studies, controlled trials, and quasi-experimental research based on rigorous evaluation of policy initiatives now being considered at institutional, state and federal levels.

Campus Food Insecurity: Bringing Private Institutions into Conversations on Basic Needs

ABSTRACT Research on college food insecurity has largely focused on community colleges and two- and four-year public institutions. Analyzing survey data collected at a small private university, we demonstrate undergraduate students at private institutions experience food insecurity at similar, or even higher, rates as those enrolled in public institutions. We report factors contributing to food insecurity on private campuses that are typically considered too “elite” or “privileged” to lack basic needs security. Given increasing enrollment of marginalized students and diversifying student bodies across all institutions, including private universities, we argue higher education needs to recognize, assess, and act on food insecurity.

Addressing College Food Insecurity: An Assessment of Federal Legislation Before and During Coronavirus Disease-2019

Research conducted before coronavirus disease-2019 illustrated high rates of food insecurity among college students. The pandemic has likely increased student food insecurity because of factors like unemployment and closure of campus resources, and many students cannot access federal food assistance because of long-standing student restrictions. This perspective reviews federal legislation on college food insecurity introduced in the 116th legislative session (2019–2020) immediately before coronavirus disease-2019 in the US, as well as pandemic-related stimulus bills and their implications for future policies and practice. Food insecurity promises to become more pressing as colleges try to reopen and the country grapples with economic recovery.