Food Insecure College Students Research Articles

Experiences of Food Insecure College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

ABSTRACT The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to understand the experiences of food insecure college students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Twenty-four students who self-identified as food insecure were recruited from social media and email listservs. Individual Zoom interviews were conducted. The recordings of interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Three major themes emerged: (1) access to more resources; (2) multiple losses; and (3) “college kids need help.”

A Qualitative Analysis of Eating Behaviors Among Food Insecure College Students

ObjectiveTo explore (1) how the cycle of food availability impacts food insecure college students’ food-coping behaviors and (2) how access to a campus food pantry impacts food availability. MethodsQualitative, semistructured one-on-one interviews via Zoom were transcribed verbatim. Three investigators performed content analysis to identify and compare themes among participants with and without access to a campus food pantry. ResultsForty undergraduate students from Illinois 4-year institutions with (n = 20) and without (n = 20) campus food pantries discussed similar experiences related to their food situation, eating behaviors, and use of resources, resulting in 7 themes: unique challenges of the college environment, childhood experiences, the impact of food insecurity, mental energy, the spectrum of resource management, structural barriers, and hiding hunger. Conclusions and ImplicationsFood insecure students may use coping mechanisms to manage food and resources. The existence of a campus food pantry alone is insufficient to meet the needs of these students. Universities could consider providing additional support (ie, free meals), advertising available resources, or integrating food insecurity screening into other established processes.

Impact of food insecurity on the health and well-being of college students

Objective: To assess the impact of food insecurity on college student health and wellbeing. Participants: Sample of self-identified, food-insecure college students from a large midwestern university. Methods: a qualitative study utilizing interviews and photovoice measured the impacts of food insecurity. Results: Findings demonstrate that college students experience a large variety of negative health impacts among various dimensions of well-being because of food insecurity. Additionally, various barriers impact the effectiveness of university and community efforts to support food-insecure students. Conclusions: Future work addressing nutrition and food security on college campuses should focus on exploring effective policy-level and organizational-level interventions that decrease the occurrence of food insecurity among students, address each dimension of health affected by food insecurity, and decrease the occurrence of barriers that impact the effectiveness of university and community efforts.

Captive Market Pricing and Lack of Transportation: A Survey of Undergraduate Food Insecurity at a Public University in New England.

The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of food insecurity among college students and its relationship to on-campus food purchasing patterns and barriers to eating a healthy and sufficient diet, including the relative cost of food items on campus compared to national chain grocery stores. A campus-wide survey using stratified sampling among undergraduates and food audit. An urban public university in New England. A total of 951 surveys completed by undergraduates. Demographic characteristics, behavioral factors and food security status (measured using the USDA 6-item short form) were collected. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were conducted to describe differences between food insecure and food secure undergraduates. Overall, 35% of undergraduates experienced food insecurity in the past year (response rate = 92%). Food insecure undergraduates had different on-campus purchasing patterns than their food secure counterparts. Food insecure students were more likely to report barriers to healthy eating on all measures, including prices (AOR= 8.12, P < .0001), to experience housing insecurity (AOR= 2.64, P = .001) and to report that transportation is a barrier to buying groceries (AOR= 1.63, P = .01). After multivariable adjustment, food insecure undergraduates had higher odds of being African American (AOR= 1.57, P = .031) or other races (more than 1 race) (AOR= 3.35, P = .002) compared to white undergraduates. Food insecure college students face a variety of barriers to healthy eating on campus, including high food pricing on campus and limited transportation options. Further research is needed to inform campus resource development, policies and programming focused on food insecurity prevention for college students.

Effects of a Cooking and Gardening Nutrition Intervention in Food Insecure College Students

Effects of a Cooking and Gardening Nutrition Intervention in Food Insecure College Students

Feeding hungry students: College students’ experiences using food pantries and successful strategies for implementing on-campus food assistance programs

Objective To examine the components of successful food assistance programs for college students. Participants Focus groups conducted during the fall 2019 semester included undergraduate students who accessed a food assistance program on campus (n = 26). Key informant interviews were conducted with professionals working with campus-based food assistance programs (n = 5). Methods Student insight regarding experiences on campus-based food assistance programs was gathered. Key informant interviews were conducted to gain an understanding of strategies put in place to alleviate food insecurity among college students. Results Emerging focus group themes included financial stressors, eating strategies, struggling to feed dependents, utilization of university-based food assistance programs, and SNAP enrollment. Key informant interviews revealed six strategies of effective food assistance programs: increasing access, securing funding, procurement/distribution of healthy foods, partnerships, outreach, and decreasing stigmatization. Conclusions A “mission driven” approach has the potential to meet the complex needs of food insecure college students.

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

Prevalence and Demographic Profiles of Food Insecure College Students at Main and Satellite Campuses in Northwestern USA.

Background: Recent studies demonstrated that food insecurity rates among college students surpass that of the general population. Both academic and health implications have been associated with food insecurity. Aim: This study compared the prevalence of food insecurity among students at three satellite campuses with those at the main campus of a 4-year, public university. Methods: In this cross-sectional design study, data were collected for four weeks using an anonymous, online questionnaire (10 demographic questions plus the USDA's Adult Food Security Survey 10-item module). A sample of 983 students was recruited from the 9064 undergraduate and graduate students attending a state university. Chi-square tests were used to assess demographic differences between food insecure students on the main and satellite campuses. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the odds of food insecurity by campus (satellite vs. main), after controlling for demographics. Statistical significance was assessed at P < 0.05. Results: Bivariate results indicated the rate of food insecurity was significantly higher on the main campus (45%) than on the satellite campuses (34%, P = 0.007). However, after controlling for demographics there was no difference in the odds of food insecurity by campus (P = 0.239). Conclusion: The study findings are novel as no other studies compared the prevalence of food insecurity among students attending satellite campuses compared with those at the main campus. After controlling for demographics, type of campus (satellite vs. main) was not a significant factor in the odds of food insecurity.

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

SNAP, campus food insecurity, and the politics of deservingness.

Many low-income college students are barred from food assistance for no reason other than the fact that they are pursuing a college education. Based on 22 interviews that capture the experiences of food insecure college students as they attempt to navigate SNAP, this study shows how low enrollment in the program and food insecurity are the predictable outcomes of policy decisions intended to restrict access to both free public higher education and public assistance in the 1980’s and 1990’s and were shaped by the racialized politics of deservingness. By documenting the barriers students encounter attempting to access food assistance, this study shows how these policies play out in the lives of students at the City University of New York (CUNY) today. Ultimately, the politics of deservingness create significant direct and indirect barriers to SNAP enrollment for students and limit policy makers’ and advocates’ attempts to expand SNAP and address food insecurity on college campuses.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10460-021-10273-3.

Development and Assessment of a Video-Based Communication Campaign to Promote Food Pantry Use by Food Insecure College Students

Describe the effect of a video-based communication campaign on knowledge, perceived stigma, and self-efficacy of using an on-campus food pantry by college students.

Developing a Social Cognitive Theory Based Nutrition Intervention to Improve Diet, Stress and Life Satisfaction of Food Insecure College Students

Understand the development and objective of a theory-based nutrition education intervention aimed at improving dietary intake, stress, and life satisfaction in food insecure college students. Food insecure college students are at an increased risk for obesity, co-morbidities, and decreased mental health. Previous literature has stated that food insecure students could potentially benefit from tailored nutrition and life skill education. The current study describes the development of a Social Cognitive Theory based nutrition education intervention which uses urban gardening and cooking workshops to increase health mediators, fruit and vegetable intake, stress, and life satisfaction in food insecure college students. The program which is meant to take place over 6 weeks includes 3 hands-on cooking demonstrations and 3 hands-on gardening demonstrations. The small group sessions were developed to be one hour long, once a week, with various session availability to accommodate class schedules. Intervention sessions were developed based on Social Cognitive Theory mediators including outcome expectation, observational learning, facilitation, reciprocal determinism and self-efficacy. Educational topics and materials were tailored to meet the specific needs of food insecure students. Topics included MyPlate, understanding food labels, budgeting, and various gardening tips and tricks such as reusing vegetable scraps. The recipes used for cooking demonstrations were created to be nutritionally balanced, quick, and easy. Recipes contained food items that were affordable, could be obtained from food pantries, and dorm friendly. Take home materials included nutrition education handouts, recipes, and a windowsill garden. We are currently evaluating this program using a randomized control trial. Future directions include the extension of the program across different college campuses.

Demographic Characteristics and Eating Patterns among an Ethnically Diverse Sample of College Students with Food Insecurity

Identifying eating patterns and characteristics of food insecure college students, such as being older and more likely to live alone, may direct interventions to reduce food insecurity on college campuses. Insufficient research examines characteristics and eating patterns of food insecure college students. This cross-sectional study examined relationships among demographic characteristics, eating behaviors, and food security status in a multiethnic sample of college students. A web-based survey assessed participants’ demographic characteristics, eating patterns, and food security status. A six-item version of the U.S. Household Food Security Scale evaluated food security status. Chi-square tests and independent sample t-tests analyzed group differences. Participants (n=461) were predominantly female (77.8%); 38.0% identified as Hispanic/Latino, 33.2% identified as Asian/Pacific Islander, and 19.1% identified as Caucasian. In total, 19.3% (n= 89) met criteria for food insecurity. Participants with food insecurity were older (20.2 ± 3.2 y vs. 19.4 ± 2.7 y, p= 0.03) and had higher BMIs (24.2 ± 5.5 kg/m2 vs. 22.8 ± 3.8, p= 0.04). A higher proportion of those with food insecurity were non-freshman compared to freshman students (25.0% vs. 12.7%, p=0.001) and lived alone or with roommates compared to with family (38.1% vs. 17.4%, p= 0.001). Participants with food insecurity were more likely to skip meals (65.9% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) and go >4 hours without eating (72.7% vs. 57.7%, p= 0.009). Food insecure students ate fewer meals/day (2.3 ± 0.6 vs. 2.5 ± 0.6, p= 0.001); snack frequency did not differ according to food security status. Identifying eating patterns and characteristics of food insecure college students, such as being older and more likely to live alone, may help direct interventions to reduce food insecurity on college campuses.

P27 Health Behavior Changes and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Crisis in Food Insecure College Students

<h3>Background</h3> The COVID-19 pandemic has had impactful and possibly long-term effects on the lives of college students. This may be particularly challenging for food insecure students, who are at a higher risk for negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. <h3>Objective</h3> The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of COVID-19 on the health behaviors and mental health of food insecure college students. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> A mixed-methods study design was used to determine the changes in mental and health behaviors in food insecure college students. Students completed 2 surveys over 6 months, pre and post COVID-19. Surveys were composed of validated measures and open-ended questions. Participants were asked to describe their demographics, food security, fruit and vegetable intake, stress, and life satisfaction. Food insecure students (n = 41) were recruited from Florida International University. Participants were female (92.5%), White Caucasian (42.5%), and Hispanic (60%), and of normal BMI (52.5%). <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, and <i>t</i> tests were performed on validated measures. Diet and physical activity open response questions were categorized into positive, negative or neutral changes due to COVID-19. Overall changes went through a thematic review and were categorized into themes. <h3>Results</h3> Post COVID-19, participants significantly decreased their fruit and vegetable intake (<i>t</i> = -2.12, <i>P</i> = 0.04). Participants indicated both positive and negative changes in diet and physical activity. Participants also increased their perceived stress (<i>t</i> = 2.37, <i>P</i> = 0.02) and decreased life satisfaction (<i>t</i> = -3.03, <i>P</i> < 0.01) but indicated positive changes including getting closer to family and friends, improved work, school, and finances, and had increased time to enjoy activities. <h3>Conclusion</h3> COVID-19 had both positive and detrimental effects on diet, physical activity, stress and life satisfaction of food insecure students. While overall measures declined, students indicated that quarantine gave them an opportunity to work on personal relationships and mental health.

O36 College Students Cope to Achieve Food Security During the COVID-19 Pandemic

<h3>Background</h3> Feeding America estimates an additional 13.2 million people experienced food insecurity in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. College students have higher risk given their transitionary life stage and lack of access to enablers of food security, including federal food assistance programs. This project investigates interpersonal and community-level factors of the social ecological model that affect food choices, self-efficacy, and coping mechanisms among food insecure college students during the pandemic. <h3>Objective</h3> Describe facilitators and barriers to food security among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> After IRB approval was obtained, participants (n = 18) were interviewed via a video-conferencing platform to investigate interpersonal coping mechanisms related to food security. Inclusion criteria encompassed current enrollment, participation in the on-campus food pantry, and age less than 30 years. Interviews focused on students' food acquisition and utilization, experiences with food insecurity before and during the pandemic, and feelings of stress. <h3>Measurable Outcomes/Analysis</h3> Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and themed using a 2-coder method. <h3>Results</h3> Students identified lack of knowledge about food assistance programs, confusion over food assistance qualification, and lack of transportation to food assistance sites as perceived barriers to improving food security during the pandemic. Primary coping mechanisms and facilitators to obtaining food were food pantry utilization, social support through food sharing, participation in the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and engagement with community support programs. <h3>Conclusion</h3> COVID-19 has further exacerbated college students' vulnerability to food insecurity. College students have limited access to SNAP and rely on interpersonal relationships and community resources to maintain food security. Findings describe unique coping strategies to access food and identify strategies to improve college student food security during the pandemic.

Cancer Prevention Behaviors and Knowledge of Cancer Screening Among Food Insecure College Students

Abstract Objectives The objective of the current study were to examine cancer prevention knowledge and risky behaviors by diet and food insecurity. Methods A cross-sectional examination of college students examined FI status and cancer prevention behavior (fruit and vegetable intake (FVI), alcohol intake frequency (AIF), and tobacco use (TU)) and screening knowledge (age to receive breast, cervical, lung, prostate, and colon screening for “normal risk”). Results Students were 34.13% food insecure. Body mass index was significant by food insecurity status (P &amp;lt; .01; FI = 26.41 kg/m2, Food Secure (FS) = 23.42 kg/m2). FVI was not significant by group however average intake of the whole population was 3.04 + 1.84 servings. Likewise, AIF by group was not significant (P &amp;gt; .05). A higher percentage of FI used tobacco (P = .01). Lung and pap smear screening age knowledge by FI status was significantly different (P = .027 and .047, respectively). Conclusions As FI is correlated with negative health outcomes, upstream interventions should be proposed to target long term impacts such as risky behaviors and cancer prevention knowledge. Funding Sources University of Kentucky Start-up funds.

Food Insecurity, Depression, and Race: Correlations Observed Among College Students at a University in the Southeastern United States.

Food insecurity is common among college students in the United States and is associated with poorer health-related outcomes and academic performance. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of food insecurity at a large, public university in Mississippi, a state with the second highest rate of food insecurity in the nation, and to examine the associations between food insecurity, depression, and race in this group of students. Food security was measured using the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form, and depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. In total, 131 students ages 18–24 participated in the study. Food insecurity was present in 38.2% of students surveyed. The odds of food insecurity were higher among African American students compared to Caucasian students (OR = 3.50, 95% CI: 1.38, 8.90). Students with very low food security had 4.52-times greater odds of having depression than food-secure students (p = 0.011, 95% CI: 1.42, 14.36). Neither body mass index nor body fat percentage were associated with food security status. Further research is needed on strategies to address the risk of depression among food-insecure college students and the racial disparity in food insecurity rates present among college students.

Predictors of Diet, Health, and Life Satisfaction of Food Insecure College Students

Identify factors influencing BMI, dietary intake, and life satisfaction of food insecure college students.

P65 Navigating Food Insecurity at College: Examining Student Experiences and Perspectives on Solutions

<h3>Background</h3> There is growing awareness of food insecurity among college students, with several studies documenting its presence and recommendations for addressing it. The majority of studies are quantitative and fail to offer insight into how students view food insecurity and what they and their universities can do about it. This study provides that perspective. <h3>Objective</h3> To examine how students experiencing food insecurity make sense of, navigate, and recommend addressing it. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> An anonymous survey was administered at a Mid-Atlantic university using Qualtrics and elicited 1,283 responses (93.1% undergraduate; 6.9% graduate). Following the survey, three 90-minute focus groups were conducted with 13 students (84.6% undergraduate; 15.4% graduate) who self-identified as food insecure. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> The 68-item survey included questions regarding students' background, finances, and food security status (using the 6-item USDA-FSS Short Form survey). The 19-item focus group guide included questions concerning food behaviors/practices, experiences with food insecurity, and solutions. Survey data were analyzed using SPSS. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was conducted in NVivo using an inductive approach. <h3>Results</h3> Of survey respondents, 38.9% indicated moderate to high food insecurity, with highest rates among Pell Grant recipients (55.4%), students with college debt (50.6%), and first-generation students (47.9%). Focus group themes included hesitancy to self-identify as food insecure; encounters with stigma; lack of awareness and understanding by the university; negative impact on social life; and self-reliance, particularly coping independently by donating plasma, eating cheap food, not eating, sneaking food, and using credit cards. Participants offered traditional solutions (eg, pantry, no-frills dining) and upstream solutions such as addressing stigma and developing new programming (eg, peer mentoring programs). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Quantitative findings are similar to those of previous studies, particularly relating to vulnerable groups; however, qualitative findings offer a unique perspective regarding students' perceptions of food insecurity, identities as food-insecure college students, and perspectives on addressing it.