Food Insecurity Research Articles (Page 1)

ABSTRACT Food insecurity is correlated with a higher probability of numerous chronic diseases. There is a need to understand the challenges of people with food insecurity and their perceptions and use of programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), in addressing food needs. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with food-insecure patients within a local regional medical center in Baton Rouge. Through qualitative analysis, we identified two major themes describing food assistance program utilization, including SNAP, and other food behaviors: shortfalls of support systems and adaptive behaviors. This information can contribute to the improvement of successful solutions for food insecurity.

The aim of this study was to examine the potential mediating role of intuitive eating in the relationship between food insecurity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. A total of 1,039 adults aged between 20 and 64 years living in Niğde, Türkiye, were evaluated using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included items on participants' general characteristics, dietary habits, the Household Food Security Survey Module - Short Form (HFSSM-SF), the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, and the Intuitive Eating Scale-2. Intuitive eating was found to play a partial mediating role in the relationship between food insecurity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Food insecurity was directly and negatively associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and this association remained significant even after the inclusion of intuitive eating as a variable in the model. In conclusion, food insecurity was found to negatively affect adherence to the Mediterranean diet not only directly but also indirectly by weakening intuitive eating skills. Interventions aimed at promoting intuitive eating may help mitigate unhealthy dietary behaviors associated with food insecurity; however, improving food access and living conditions remains essential for a long-term solution.

Food insecurity, as a reflection of both material deprivation and the broader social and psychological challenges related to accessing food, has emerged as a core indicator of sustainable development. This cross-sectional study examines the link between food security status and multidimensional well-being in Türkiye, a country facing high inflation and income inequality. An online survey was conducted in December 2024, involving 526 participants. Food security was assessed by the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, and the Flourish Index was used to assess multidimensional well-being across five domains. Perceptions of inflation and income inequality were assessed using single-item questions, alongside sociodemographic information. Food insecurity was significantly associated with the perceived inflation impact (d = - 0.37, p = .009) and income inequality (d = - 0.23, p < .001). The moderately or severely food insecure group reported a lower Flourish Index (d = 0.56, p < .001), particularly in life satisfaction (d = 0.53, p < .001) compared to food secure or mildly food insecure group. Hierarchical linear regression analysis identified monthly income status and influence of religious belief as significant positive predictors of the Flourish Index (p < .001), while food insecurity showed a significant negative association even after adjusting for these factors (β = - 0.16, p < .001). Cluster analysis revealed four distinct profiles based on food security, income status, and religious influence. Significant differences were observed in the Flourish Index and all its domains across the clusters (p < .001). The largest effect sizes were found in life satisfaction (η² = 0.17), happiness (η² = 0.137), and the overall Flourish Index score (η² = 0.127) indicating variation in well-being. Participants in the "Financially Fragile & Low Religious" group reported the lowest scores across most domains, whereas those in the "Financially Secure & Highly Religious" group exhibited the highest levels of flourishing. Food insecurity was associated with reduced flourishing across multiple domains under economic uncertainty, and well-being outcomes differed across groups defined by financial conditions and religious engagement. This suggests that policy and intervention strategies targeting food insecurity should adopt a multidimensional perspective on well-being.

The health effects of social conditions such as income, education, and employment have been demonstrated to be persistent and wide-reaching. In this study, we examine the effect of social determinants of health, those conditions in which people live, among individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI) who are actively engaged with mental health services. Using a sample of 203 clients at a community mental health clinic, this study (1) explores the prevalence of three social determinants of health: food insecurity, homelessness, and neighborhood disorder, and (2) assesses their associations with five outcomes of health, including mental health (overall mental health and life satisfaction) and physical health (overall physical health, number of chronic health conditions, and perceived daily limits). Our findings demonstrated that food insecurity and neighborhood disorder were prevalent within our sample of people with SMI (64% and 93% respectively), while homelessness was not (7%). Furthermore, a series of OLS regressions showed food insecurity and neighborhood disorder to be associated with poor mental and physical health, while homelessness was not significantly associated with any outcomes. These findings suggest that individuals with SMI who are actively engaged in treatment have increased risk of food insecurity and poor neighborhood conditions, which in turn may negatively impact their overall health. We suggest that mental health service providers be aware of the influence of social conditions on their patients and that clinics may be uniquely positioned to identify and intervene for individuals at risk of experiences that may be detrimental to their recovery.

Despite advancements in acute pain management and minimally invasive surgical techniques, persistent postsurgical pain can occur in up to 30% to 50% of patients. Psychological and social factors are increasingly recognized as contributors to pain outcomes, yet the impact of specific social determinants of health on persistent postoperative pain remains unclear. We conducted a retrospective observational study using the All of Us Research Program database. Adults who underwent surgical procedures after the year 2000 were included if they had available social determinants of health (SDoH) survey data and no prior diagnosis of persistent postoperative pain. Persistent postoperative pain was defined via SNOMED codes as a diagnosis occurring at least 1 year after the surgery date. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association between 21 independent variables derived from All of Us SDoH survey items and persistent postoperative pain, controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and surgery type. A Bonferroni-corrected significance threshold (P < .002) was applied. There were 8065 participants included in the final analysis with 641 (7.9%) developing persistent postoperative pain. Food insecurity had the strongest association with persistent postoperative pain (odds ratio [OR] = 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45-2.30, P < .001). Having greater social support (OR = 0.96, 95% CI, 0.94-0.99, P = .002) and lower residential density (OR = 0.72, 95% CI, 0.61-0.85, P < .001) was protective. These findings underscore the importance of routinely assessing and addressing socioeconomic and psychosocial factors in perioperative care to help prevent long-term pain.

Conceptualising food environments as social activity spaces: Insights from lived experience research in Thailand and Laos.

Risk Factors for Unresolved Food Insecurity Among Households Receiving SNAP or WIC.

Background/Objectives: Food insecurity and mental health are two important issues affecting college students, and their incidence have increased since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective of this study was to examine the association between food insecurity and the mental health outcomes among college students in the Bronx, NY. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from 710 undergraduate students, using a self-administered survey with a quick response (QR) code. The survey consisted of sociodemographic questions, the US Household Food Security Survey Module (ten-item questionnaire), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 29. Results: Results of the study indicated that 53% of the participants were food insecure, 47.4% had high depressive symptoms, 46.2% had high anxiety, and 50.6% had high stress levels. Multiple logistic regression revealed the reciprocal association between food insecurity and mental health. Students who were stressed (p = 0.022) were likely to experience food insecurity, while those who were food insecure were more likely to experience stress (p = 0.007) and depression (p &lt; 0.021). Students who identified as Black (p = 0.021) and had lower income (p = 0.031) were more likely to be food insecure. Conclusions: This research shows that food insecurity worsens mental health, and mental health worsens food insecurity. However, it was not possible for us to establish causality between the two variables.

Turkana County has been ranked as one of the most food-insecure Counties in Kenya, making it a hotspot of food insecurity. Turkana County has received substantial humanitarian food aid for over two decades, with funding increasing from US$89.3 million in 2018 to US$310 million in 2022 through multiple international and local organisations. The significant investments in humanitarian food aid call for the need to assess the chronic food insecurity. Despite this sustained intervention, the county remains Kenya's most food-insecure region, with persistent malnutrition rates and chronic dependency on external food assistance. This paradox raises critical questions about the effectiveness of these humanitarian food aid programmes and food security outcomes. The current study sought to assess the impact of Humanitarian food aid on food security in Turkana County. The study was anchored on a theoretical framework guided by the theory of access. The study utilised a descriptive research design. The study, which was conducted in Turkana County, targeted household heads, county government officials, and humanitarian agencies involved in food security within Turkana County. The study used both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. The key findings of the study indicated that 106 (30.2%) agreed and 57 (16.2%) strongly agreed that food aid had improved household food security. The findings further revealed that 105 (29.9%) agreed and 34 (9.7%) strongly agreed that food aid had increased access to nutritious food in the County, and 97 (27.6%) agreed and 46 (13.1%) strongly agreed that food aid reliance had reduced due to better food security. Overall, the findings revealed that humanitarian food aid reached the most vulnerable households in Turkana County; however, there were concerns about the issues of utilisation of the food given to vulnerable individuals. The study revealed that food aid has played a crucial role in alleviating hunger, improving household food security, and reducing malnutrition among vulnerable populations in Turkana County.

BackgroundFood insecurity is a major public health concern in India because of the high prevalence of malnourishment. The COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns caused widespread disruptions in food systems. However, limited empirical evidence on food insecurity trends among vulnerable populations have been available.ObjectivesWe utilised longitudinal data collected from the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAPIN) study in Tamil Nadu, India, between January to September 2020, in order understand the impact of the COVID pandemic on household food insecurity (HFI) in rural households.MethodsWe performed repeat (n = 4) administrations of the Food Insecurity Experience Scale tool developed by the Food and Agricultural Organisation among households with pregnant or lactating mothers, enrolled in the HAPIN study (n = 676) to include pre-COVID lockdown, during lockdown, immediately after lockdown and post-COVID lockdown periods.ResultsThe overall prevalence of HFI during the pre-COVID lockdown was 4% with a sharp fivefold increase during the lockdown period. The HFI decreased to 17% in the immediately after lockdown period and stabilised at around 7% in the post-COVID lockdown period.ConclusionsHigh levels of food insecurity (even if transient) that was observed during lockdown periods of the COVID 19 pandemic in rural Tamil Nadu indicate the potential for increased health risks for pregnant women and lactating mothers in low-income households.

ABSTRACT Household food insecurity (HFI) is a key determinant of malnutrition throughout the life course. This cross-sectional study examined the association between HFI and the nutritional status of 304 adolescents and their caregivers in coastal and inland rural communities in Cebu, Philippines. HFI was significantly associated with lower adolescent height-for-age (B = –0.31, 95% CI [−0.60, −0.02]) and BMI-for-age (B = –0.36, 95% CI [−0.66, −0.06]) z-scores, but not with caregiver BMI. Adolescents in food-insecure households may lack access to nutrient-dense foods essential for linear growth and healthy weight gain. School-based nutritional interventions may support adolescents in these settings.

Improving perinatal engagement in HIV care is critical to prevent disease progression and transmission. In Haiti and other low-resource settings, poverty contributes substantially to poor perinatal HIV outcomes. Cash transfers are a promising intervention that may alleviate poverty and improve perinatal HIV outcomes through economic and psychological pathways. To inform the design of an unconditional cash transfer intervention, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 pregnant and postpartum women with HIV receiving care at St. Boniface Hospital in rural Haiti 12/2023-5/2024. Using an interview guide with open-ended questions, we explored barriers and facilitators to HIV care around the time of birth and perspectives on and preferred features of a potential unconditional cash transfer. Interviews were conducted in Haitian Creole, transcribed and translated into English, and analyzed thematically using a codebook developed through deductive and inductive coding. Participants (median age 24 years; 50% pregnant) described barriers including antiretroviral therapy side effects, particularly when taken without food, interpersonal stigma, poverty, and food insecurity. Facilitators included motivation to protect the child's health, understanding treatment benefits, transportation reimbursement, and social support. Participants viewed cash transfers as a promising way to address poverty-related barriers, reporting they would use funds for household needs, child expenses, and small business activities. Preferred transfer sizes varied, as did preferences about delivery, timing, and frequency. Findings underscore poverty's central role in shaping perinatal HIV care engagement and support the potential of unconditional cash transfers to improve outcomes.

The elderly care regime for Indigenous peoples differs between India and Sweden. In India, the family cares for the elderly, while the responsibility in Sweden lies with the authorities. Food insecurity is the main problem in India, while lack of culturally adapted food is a problem in Sweden. In both cases, little knowledge exists on the importance of traditional food in Indigenous elderly care. By examining the use and significance of traditional food in elderly care for the Mal Paharia people in India and the Sami in Sweden, we focus on the following questions: What is the significance of nutritious and culturally adequate food? How are the elderly care regimes for food constituted? How can these regimes be improved using participatory methods? What policy recommendations can be created based on our study?. Our study focuses on the health, organization and welfare aspects of aging from an Indigenous perspective. A consistent perspective on this study is the decolonialized and liberating action research with Indigenous peoples (so-called PAR). The method is based on a triangulation and mixed-methods design and is made up of four different sub-studies: WP1 on Indigenous life stories about food; WP2 on quantitative surveys and nutrition index; WP3 on care regimes and WP4 on participatory implementation. The research groups in India and Sweden, which include both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from each country, will collaborate through a consortium. Focus group interviews will be conducted both with the elderly (WP1) and with government representatives and recipients (WP3). The quantitative study (WP2) is based on already collected data material from more than 1000 elderly Sami in Sweden, the Sami Health on Equal Terms study and on data to be collected among 200 older Mal Paharia (two-stage clustering) in India. Interpreters will be offered for people who communicate best in their mother tongue. The implementation study (WP4) will be carried out with a bottom-up perspective, with a focus on food safety in India and food sovereignty in Sweden. Our study focuses on the health, organization and welfare aspects of aging from an Indigenous perspective. Older Indigenous peoples have knowledge about nutritious diets that are important to utilize, both from a care perspective, and from a longer-term self-sufficiency perspective, where their knowledge can give us keys to a more sustainable, culturally richer and biotope-wise more well-adapted future food system.

Post-harvest losses (PHL) continue to threaten food security and nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, where estimates suggest that 20–40% of cereals are lost before consumption. These losses diminish household income, reduce food availability, and worsen nutritional outcomes. Semi-arid regions such as Kitui County, Kenya, face even greater risks due to climatic variability, dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and the widespread use of traditional storage methods. This study sought to determine the main causes of PHL, document strategies used by smallholder farmers, and assess their perceived effectiveness. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in Kitui County, targeting 150 smallholder farmers selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and observational checklists, then analysed with SPSS Version 23.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, summarized the findings. Results revealed pest infestation as the leading cause of losses (62.7%), followed by poor storage facilities (54.7%) and inadequate drying practices (49.3%). Additional contributors included mold and rot from moisture (42.0%), delayed harvesting (38.7%), and poor transport or handling (30.7%). These findings mirror regional evidence highlighting similar structural and technical challenges. Farmers reported practicing proper drying (68.0%), sorting and grading (58.0%), and pest control (50.7%). Improved storage was less common: 43.3% used hermetic bags, while 34.0% used metal or plastic silos. Among all strategies, proper drying and silos were rated as the most effective. This aligns with broader research that underscores the importance of integrated post-harvest management for reducing cereal losses. Despite awareness of modern technologies, adoption remains low due to high costs, limited extension services, and weak rural infrastructure. Addressing these barriers will require scaling up affordable hermetic storage through subsidies or credit schemes, investing in drying infrastructure such as solar dryers and raised platforms, and strengthening farmer training on integrated PHL management. Reducing losses would not only safeguard household food stocks but also enhance food safety, improve rural incomes, and contribute to Kenya’s broader goal of resilience against food insecurity. Effective interventions in Kitui and similar semi-arid regions could provide scalable lessons for improving food systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Key words: post-harvest losses, smallholder farmers, Kitui County, hermetic storage, food security

Although Senegal's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program has improved access to care, it has sometimes led to overuse of health services. Moreover, the program's substantial financial debt to health facilities (HFs) has exposed them to organizational and financial problems, making it difficult to renew drug stocks and pay salaries on time. The multiple effects of the UHC program, both on individuals and on HFs, may discourage individuals from seeking for care in HFs. This study analyzed structural and individual factors associated with healthcare-seeking behavior in the context of Senegal's UHC program. We used data from six HFs in the mostly rural Fatick region that participated in two different two surveys: ANRS 12399 Soignants Sénégal and CMUtuelleS. We performed a multilevel logistic regression model to identify individual and structural factors influencing healthcare-seeking behavior. Among the 313 individuals included, 63.3% were female and median age was 52 years (IQR [41⎯63]). Half the participants (50.5%) sought health services after experiencing a health problem in the two months prior to the survey. HFs, which the National Agency managing the UHC program (33.3%) owed most to, were better equipped and staffed, but also the most negatively affected by UHC implementation. Despite this, individuals sought care in these facilities just as frequently as in others, suggesting that being better equipped and staffed helped them to be more resilient to the negative effects of the UHC program. Individuals were less likely to seek care in smaller HFs. Instead, they were more likely to seek care in HFs providing HIV and tuberculosis care. Voluntary (i.e., paying) members (vs. other members) of community-based health insurance organizations, and individuals with a chronic illness (vs. without), were more likely to seek care. Persons with a disability (vs. without) and those experiencing food insecurity (vs. no food insecurity) were less likely to seek care. Both the financial support provided to individuals by the UHC program and structural characteristics of the healthcare system were associated with seeking healthcare. Taking greater account of these structural aspects when implementing UHC could enhance the program's effectiveness and help achieve its objectives.

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue, particularly in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa where malnutrition remains a major public health problem. Resources as well as the knowledge to prepare quality over quantity food are limited. Indigenous legumes such as Mucuna pruriens are important dietary components; although the nutrients in the beans are low, fermentation would render them available for absorption and utilization in the body. While affordable, consumption is limited by anti-nutritional factors particularly L-DOPA which reduce nutrient utilization and may cause adverse effects if not properly processed. Mucuna pruriens is a potential alternative protein source. This study evaluated the impact of fermentation on the Mucuna pruriens whole seed form. The primary experimental factor was fermentation, and a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used, yielding 27 treatments including unfermented or controls. Factors were variety (Black, White, Mottled), fermentation method (brine at 5% and 10% NaCl, or yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)1 g/500 g), temperature (25°C or 37°C), and time (24 h or 72 h). After fermentation, samples were ground and analysed for proximate and mineral composition using AOAC methods; L-DOPA was quantified by UV-spectrophotometry. Data were analysed in R (ANOVA; Tukey’s HSD at p&lt; 0.05). Carbohydrate content increased significantly (p&lt; 0.05), for example from 54.01% to 64.12% p=0.02 in Black beans and from 56.00% to 63.09% p=0.013 in Mottled beans, while crude fat and fibre were significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.01). Yeast fermentation at 37°C for 72 hours led to a highly significant reduction of L-DOPA by 40 to 60% (p&lt; 0.001) from about 6–8 mg/100g in raw beans to 3–4 mg/100g after fermentation, thereby enhancing the safety of the beans. Mineral content also increased, for Mottled variety, calcium content was (19.57 mg/100g to 23.68 mg/100g, p=0.001), and iron was (0.5mg/100g to 1.17 mg/100g, p=0.001). Brine fermentation at 25°C had minimal effect. Among the tested combinations, yeast fermentation at 37°C for 72 h is recommended as the most effective option for improving the nutritional profile and reducing anti-nutritional factors in Mucuna pruriens seeds, making them a safer and more viable food option. Further research should focus on optimizing fermentation conditions, microbial selection and preservation to promote its sustainable use. Key words: Anti-nutritional factors, Bioavailability, Fermentation, Food security, L-DOPA, Mucuna pruriens

The persistent problem of food insecurity has been a major global concern. Understanding the relationship between the food environment and how it affects food security is crucial for improving the overall health and well-being of the population. This study utilized secondary cross-sectional data from the 2016 Local Level Food Health and Nutrition Survey (LFHNS) conducted by the Department of Science and Technology- Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) in the Municipality of Pulilan, Bulacan. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between the density of food stores, perceived nutrition environment, and food security status. The study’s results showed no association between the density of food stores, perceived nutrition environment, and food security; however, a positive association was found with the number of food stores. Findings showed that for every unit increase in the number of food stores, an increase of 1.9 food-secure households (p=&lt;0.05, 95% C.I. 1.3-2.7) was noted. The “sari-sari store” was the most common type of food store and the most accessible among the poor and poorest households. Further studies should include other food environment factors affecting food security, such as typology, proximity, and other food retail outlets available in the community, including traditional restaurants or carinderia and fast-food chains.

This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of residents and local leaders in remote Ifugao communities, Philippines, concerning natural disasters, aiming to develop a responsive, community-based disaster management framework. Utilizing systems thinking, social vulnerability to environmental hazards, community-based disaster management, people's vulnerability and disasters, and social capital theories, the research delves into their experiences across disaster phases, the short- and long-term impacts, and the challenges within existing management systems. Findings reveal that despite geographical isolation and limited formal support, these communities exhibit profound self-reliance, actively engaging in early warning, preparedness, response, and initial recovery through indigenous knowledge and mutual assistance. Disasters inflict severe multi-faceted impacts, including extensive livelihood disruption, agricultural loss leading to food insecurity, and significant psychological distress, often necessitating temporary migration. Yet, communities demonstrate extraordinary positive adaptation, heightened vigilance, strong social cohesion, and continuous learning to mitigate future risks. However, the current disaster management system faces substantial operational weaknesses, characterized by inconsistent government aid, leadership gaps, resource deficiencies, and inequitable, delayed, or biased aid distribution exacerbated by logistical barriers. These systemic failures disproportionately burden marginalized communities, forcing reliance on their limited internal capacities. The study concludes by advocating for an integrated, responsive, and locally sensitive disaster management practice. Recommendations emphasize officially incorporating traditional knowledge and mutual aid structures, providing holistic and long-term recovery support (including mental health and livelihood diversification), strengthening governance, accountability, and aid distribution, and investing in resilient infrastructure to bridge isolation. This approach seeks to genuinely build upon community resilience while addressing critical systemic vulnerabilities, moving towards a proactive, cooperative, and effective disaster management paradigm. Keywords: Ifugao Communities, Disaster Management, Community-Based, Resilience, Vulnerability

Postharvest losses caused by poor drying and storage practices lead to maize waste, reduced food availability, unsafe food due to aflatoxin contamination, and income loss for farmers. This exacerbates food insecurity and threatens the livelihoods of rural communities. Leveraging digital solutions to provide quality maize postharvest handling information is critical to mitigating these challenges. This study examined maize postharvest handling extension information services provided by rural agricultural extension officers in selected districts of Uganda, focusing on how evidence-based practices supported by information sources, expert knowledge, and ICT infrastructure ensure the quality and relevance of the information delivered. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed. Data were collected from 312 rural smallholder maize farmers, 22 extension officers, and four information officers. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti version 24, quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS version 29 to generate descriptive statistics and conduct Pearson's chi-square tests. Agriculture extension officers applied digital evidence-based information practices to improve maize postharvest handling advisory services. The study reported that the most frequently used practices were asking (identifying farmers' information needs), acquiring (gathering relevant information), appraising (evaluating information quality), and applying (guiding farmers' decisions). Aggregation (organizing information for accessibility) and assessment (evaluating the effectiveness of applied information) were less practiced. The study suggests a significant relationship between evidence application and maize postharvest handling practices (p = 0.002). No significant relationship between asking farmers' information needs and maize postharvest handling practices (p = 0.887). The study identified inadequate updated sources of information, insufficient skills in evidence-based practices, and information communication technologies. This study suggests that decision-makers update the evidence source and develop continuous professional development (CPD) training programs for rural agricultural extension officers to equip them with knowledge and skills in maize postharvest handling, evidence-based information practices, and new developments in ICTs.

Objective Rising prevalence of depression demands focus on modifiable factors to improve mental health outcomes. An inverse relationship has been identified between diet quality and depressive symptomology. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine how food insecurity, physical activity and social connectedness contribute to the relationship between diet quality and depressive symptomology. Methods Data was collected from adult university students ( n = 145, age = 26.9 ± 9.9 years) between July and October 2024 using an electronic survey. Included scales were the Diet Screening Tool, the US Adult Food Security Module, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Social Connectedness Scale and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale—21. Pearson’s correlation analyses and linear regression were performed exploring the associations for variables of interest. Results The university student cohort was characterized by mild–severe depression (70%) and severe food insecurity (25%). The results showed increased food insecurity and physical activity (Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes/week) account for 11% and 9% of the variation seen in DASS-21 depression scores, respectively. Diet quality and social connections were not found to have a significant association with depressive symptomology. Conclusion It appears that food insecurity could be a contributing factor impacting depressive symptomology, and if addressed effectively could improve mood disorder treatments. The relationship between physical activity and depression is counterintuitive and warrants further investigation. Implementing evidence-based holistic interventions that address food insecurity should be considered to support the mental health of university students.