Food insecurity on a college campus: Prevalence, determinants, and solutions

Food security and part-time work for students: do race and region play a role?

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the relationship between weekly hours worked and food security among full-time college students in the United States, as well as the extent to which this relationship depends on racial identity and regional location.

PARTICIPANTS/METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of data from 1,450 full-time college students in the labor force who completed the 2019 Food Security Supplement to the Current Population Survey. Moderated multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

We found that among full-time college students in the labor force, working a greater number of hours per week was not related to one's likelihood of being food insecure, with an exception for students who identified as Asian.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of considering the intertwined nature of contributing factors to food security for specific groups of students.

Food insecurity among college students: Administrators' perspective

Objective: An estimated 21% to 58.8% of U.S. college student populations experience food insecurity (FI)-that is, limited or uncertain access to adequate food. Ameliorating this FI requires the involvement of college administrations. This study seeks to explore campus administrators' understanding of-and support for-students who experience FI. Participants: Thirty administrators at a university on the West Coast participated in semi-structured interviews. Methods: All interviews were transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analyzed using the grounded theory approach. Results: Though participants understood the concept of FI, the majority underestimated the scope of the problem and didn't believe it had been treated as a priority. They identified competing resources and concerns, along with other factors like low awareness, as barriers to addressing FI. Conclusion: Although administrators were aware of the existence of FI on their campus, this study's results allude to the importance of providing further necessary FI education for administrators.

Research trends and gaps concerning food insecurity in college students in the United States: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review explores the broad body of peer-reviewed research measuring food insecurity in post-secondary students in the U.S. to identify trends and gaps to inform future research.

METHODS

Three search engines (PubMed, Web of Science, and CINHAL Full Text) were systematically searched for articles reporting on food security status in U.S. college students.

RESULTS

One-hundred and sixty studies met inclusion criteria. Emerging high-risk student characteristics include gender non-conforming (GNC) and non-binary, financial independence in college, and pregnant and parenting students. Emerging correlates include lack of transportation, anxiety, and eating disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence data can be used by colleges to advocate for services and programs. Additional multi-institutional cohort, longitudinal and qualitative studies are needed to identify timely interventions and effective solutions. A new "rights-based" approach to food security solutions that includes nutrition and food literacy for all students is needed.

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.

Visceral sensitivity, hunger responsiveness, and satiety responsiveness: Associations between facets of gastrointestinal interoception and disordered eating profiles in an undergraduate sample

This preregistered study examined associations between empirically derived profiles of disordered eating in a diverse nonclinical sample and three facets of gastrointestinal (GI) interoception (visceral sensitivity, hunger responsiveness, satiety responsiveness). University students (n = 591; 53.3% women; 23.0% Hispanic) completed the Visceral Sensitivity Index, Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and Eating Pathology Symptom Inventory. Latent profile analysis was conducted in Mplus v8.3 with four behavioral indicators (restricting, binge eating, excessive exercise, purging [binary]). Facets of GI interoception predicting odds of disordered eating profile membership compared to an asymptomatic group were evaluated. Five profiles were identified. Facets of GI interoception differentially predicted odds of membership in disordered eating profiles. However, higher scores on all three facets of GI interoception were associated with increased odds of membership in a high disordered eating profile. The relationship between distinct facets of GI interoception and specific disordered eating patterns appears nuanced, though individuals displaying a range of disordered eating behaviors may exhibit broad GI interoceptive dysfunction. Findings are consistent with the recent emphasis on idiographic treatment approaches for disordered eating and may have implications for screening among university students. Prospective longitudinal work and extension to clinical samples is needed.

Prevalence of and Contributors to Food Insecurity among College Athletes: A Scoping Review

Given the financial demands of attending college, the transition to new living situations, abrupt changes in social support, and overall lifestyle adjustments, college students are at an increased risk of food insecurity (FI) compared to the general population. Collegiate athletes experience an even greater risk of FI as a result of greater time commitments and energy demands associated with their sports. This heightened vulnerability poses a tremendous threat to student-athletes' academic and athletic achievements. This study aims to address the prevalence and primary determinants of FI among collegiate athletes while providing potential solutions to navigate and alleviate the effects of diminished food security among this demographic. To address these aims, a total of 18 articles were selected from both peer-reviewed and gray literature. The U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module (US-HFSSM) survey tools were predominantly utilized across universities throughout the United States to gather data on FI. Student-athletes reported experiencing FI across various regions of the United States, including universities in the northeastern states (n = 5), the southwest region (n = 3), the southeast region (n = 3), the northwest (n = 1), and the Midwest (n = 1). Overall, FI prevalence rates ranged from 9.9% to 65%, and the most significant contributors included limited financial resources, time management, meal plans, and housing location/amenities. These findings highlight a need for screening, education, and interventions to address FI among collegiate athletes.

"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.

"If the college adjusted the prices…": comparing food secure and insecure college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: We examined how students' food insecurity related to their demographic information, academic experiences, use of food programs, and reflections on food during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: 246 NYC undergraduates during the first 9 months of the pandemic. Methods: Students reported on food insecurity (eg, USDA's 10-item AFSSM), household income, impact of food insecurity on academics, GPA, and use of food programs. They wrote two food narratives. Results: 135 (54.88%) participants reported high food security; 51 (20.73%) reported low or very low food security. Compared to high food security students, low and very low-security students were more likely to identify as Black and first-generation immigrants, reported lower household income, more frequently used food programs, had a lower GPA, reported more academic difficulties, and wrote more often about financial and programmatic difficulties related to food. Conclusions: Food-insecure students need greater financial, academic, and programmatic support during public health crises.

Risk factors of food insecurity among students at diverse post-secondary education institutions: a cross-sectional examination

OBJECTIVE

Identify the prevalence of food insecurity (FI) and compare sociodemographic, mental, physical, behavioral, and environmental risk factors for FI among students at a private university, community college, and historically black college or university (HBCU).

PARTICIPANTS

Adult students attending a private university, community college, or HBCU (n = 4,140) located within the southeastern United States.

METHODS

Using an online survey (2017-2019), FI, sociodemographic, mental, physical, behavioral, and environmental data were collected to understand their association with FI.

RESULTS

Up to 37.1% of students experienced FI. Identifying as black, other/multi-racial, having poor sleep, federal loans, depressive symptoms, high stress, social isolation, or a chronic condition were associated with FI. These associations varied by institution.

CONCLUSIONS

FI is prevalent within diverse post-secondary institutions that serve traditional and nontraditional students with risk factors varying between institutions. The prevalence of FI and risk factors can inform institutional policy responses to ameliorate the effects of FI.

Food Insecurity during the Pandemic in South Korea: The Effects of University Students' Perceived Food Insecurity on Psychological Well-Being, Self-Efficacy, and Life Satisfaction

This study examined the impact of university students' perceptions of food insecurity on psychological well-being, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction and observed that the students' gender plays a moderating role in this causal relationship, based on a total of 491 university students who participated in this empirical study. This study used SPSS (Version 22.0) and AMOS (Version 20.0) for the analyses. This study examines the structural relationship of this causal model. Our findings suggest that students' perceived food insecurity negatively affects the status of their psychological well-being and self-efficacy. However, contrary to expectations, perceived food insecurity has no negative effects on students' life satisfaction. In addition, the level of students' psychological well-being positively influences their life satisfaction, while self-efficacy does not. The moderating effects of gender differences in this research were also disclosed. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.

A Qualitative Analysis of Eating Behaviors Among Food Insecure College Students

OBJECTIVE

To 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.

METHODS

Qualitative, 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.

RESULTS

Forty 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 IMPLICATIONS

Food 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.

Food Insecurity in Higher Education: A Contemporary Review of Impacts and Explorations of Solutions

Food insecurity is a global phenomenon which impacts a variety of social, economic, and life-stage groups. One such group affected by food insecurity is college students, who tend to experience food insecurity at a prevalence which exceeds the average of their local communities. The impacts of food insecurity in this population are multifaceted and have implications for their college experience and beyond. Food insecurity has been observed to have negative effects on college student academic performance, physical health, and mental health. This review explores the impacts of and solutions for food insecurity in this population globally, with particular emphasis on the United States, and specifically California.

Social determinants of mental health: the roles of traumatic events, financial strain, housing instability, food insecurity, and commute time

OBJECTIVE

To identify social determinants of mental health embedded within college students' living and learning conditions.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants included 215 mostly undergraduate (95%) business students at a diverse, urban west coast public university (48% women; mean age 24).

METHODS

Participants completed an online self-report survey measuring affective state, global mental health, anxious and depressive symptoms, as well as social determinants of mental health. Data were analyzed using multiple regression controlling for self-esteem, gender, and race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

Results suggest that higher family income is positively related to mental health, whereas more adverse events (e.g., assault, robbery, serious illness or injury), food insecurity, and commute time are negatively related to mental health. Moderation results indicate a moderate buffering effect of belonging on global mental health among students who experience zero adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Social determinants can shed light on student's precarious living and learning conditions and resultant effects on students' mental health.

Prevalence and Predictors of Food Insecurity among Students of a Spanish University during the COVID-19 Pandemic: FINESCOP Project at the UPV/EHU

Research related to food insecurity (FI) among European university student populations is currently limited, especially the studies carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify possible predictors of FI among students from a Spanish public university, the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional observational study design was used, in which a total of 422 students completed an online survey. Results were weighted according to age and field of education. Binary logistic regressions adjusted by sex, age, and campus were applied to identify FI predictors. FI in 19.6, 2.6, and 0.7% of the population was mild, moderate, and severe, respectively. The three main predictors of FI were a decrease in the main source of income (OR, 2.80; 95% IC, 2.57-3.06), not receiving scholarships during the pandemic (OR, 2.32; 95% IC, 2.18-2.47), and living arrangements before the pandemic (not living with parents/relatives) (OR, 2.03, 95% IC, 1.89-2.18). This study found a high prevalence of FI among the students surveyed, and the strongest predictors of this FI were related to socioeconomic status. A robust and comprehensive policy response is recommended to mitigate FI in this population.

Food insecurity disparities and impact on academic and social experiences among college students at a large public university

Objective: This research seeks to understand food insecurity experiences among students at a large public university in the southern United States. Participants: Participants consented and completed an online survey disseminated on campus in April-May 2021 (N = 418). The participants sampled were predominantly undergraduate (78.2%), females (72.4%), who lived off campus (54.1%), and were racially/ethnically diverse. Methods: Descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression, and chi-squared tests were used to examine the differences and association between demographic characteristics and behaviors and food insecurity status. Results: About 32% students surveyed had experienced food insecurity in the last year, which resembles national trends. There were significant differences in students' food insecurity status by race, sexual orientation, first-generation status, residential category, and main mode of transportation. Food insecurity impacted academic and socioeconomic student behaviors. Conclusions: This research has implications for improving the academic, physical, and psychological wellbeing of university students and should inform future programs and policies.

Food insecurity and academic function among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A moderating role of the first-generation college student status

OBJECTIVE

To examine food insecurity (FI) prevalence among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2021) using cross-sectional design, and the moderating role of the first-generation student status in the relationship between FI and grade point average (GPA).

PARTICIPANTS

Three-hundred sixty students recruited mostly from upper-level kinesiology courses.

METHODS

General linear model was used to predict GPA based on food security status, psychological health, and bodily pain, with subgroup analysis performed by first-generation student status.

RESULTS

Approximately 19% were classified as having FI. Those with FI showed lower GPA and poor health compared to those without FI. The link between FI and GPA was moderated by first-generation student status, with the negative impact of FI on GPA more clearly observed among non-first-generation students.

CONCLUSION

First-generation student status could play a role in determining the impact of FI on academic performance.

The Association between Food Security Status and Psychological Distress and Loneliness among Full-Time Undergraduate Students at a Minority-Serving Institution

Little is known about the relationship of food security (FS) status with mental health among students at minority-serving institutions. We aimed to elucidate the association of FS status with psychological distress and loneliness among full-time undergraduate students at a minority-serving institution. We used data from the National Collegiate Health Assessment III (n = 441). To assess FS, students responded to the USDA 6-item short form (range: 0-6) and responses were categorized as high (0), marginal (1) or low/very low (2-6) FS. The Kessler 6 scale assessed psychological distress (range: 0-24). The UCLA loneliness scale assessed loneliness (range: 3-9). Higher scores indicated higher psychological distress and loneliness. Using adjusted linear regression models, we examined the association of FS with psychological distress and loneliness. Compared to students with high FS (mean (SD): 9.4 (0.8)), students with marginal (11.4 (1.0); p < 0.05) or low/very low (11.8 (0.8); p < 0.01) FS had higher psychological distress scores. Compared to students with high FS (5.5 (0.3)), students with low/very low FS (6.0 (0.3); p < 0.05) had higher loneliness scores. Future studies should further explore these relationships using mixed methods, to provide complementary quantitative findings with the emic perspective of students and their experiences, which can inform programming to prevent and reduce food insecurity.

Navigating Hidden Hunger: An Exploratory Analysis of the Lived Experience of Food Insecurity among College Students

College students are a vulnerable population to food insecurity (FI), which has significant implications for academic and health outcomes. The aims of this study were to explore the meaning of FI and its impact on students' lived experiences and food decisions, facilitators and barriers to food access as a student, and students' proposed solutions to address FI. Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with thirty students from a large, public land grant university in the Southeast United States. Grounded theory methodology was utilized with a constant comparative coding strategy to guide thematic analysis. Nine main themes emerged. Themes included the perceived meaning of FI, students' lived experience with FI, and food related coping strategies and decisions. Facilitators to food access were found to be social-networks and on-campus resources, while barriers to food access included financial burden of higher education, and stigma and social comparison. Proposed solutions to FI aligned with two main themes: food access solutions and information access solutions. Both of these themes included multiple subthemes that provided specific suggestions to address food insecurity for students. The findings aid in understanding the complex lived experience of FI and can inform future efforts to center student experiences, perceptions, and feedback into institutional frameworks to best meet student needs.

Food insecurity in college students: A concept analysis

AIM

This concept analysis provides an analysis of the concept of food insecurity among college students. The purpose was to support improved identification of the population and allow for targeted assessment and intervention strategies.

BACKGROUND

Food insecurity is a problem among college students. College students experience this more than the general population and have a unique set of risk factors and consequences. This requires a comprehensive understanding of this concept to design effective interventions.

DESIGN

Concept analysis using Walker and Avant.

DATA SOURCES

Databases were searched for articles in English related to food insecurity among college students. Government reports and gray literature were also reviewed. No date limit was set.

REVIEW METHODS

Articles and reports were read and reviewed. Thirty-nine sources were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Five defining attributes were identified: Lack of sufficient food, negative academic implications, negative physical health impacts, negative psychosocial health impacts, learning to identify, and use food resources. Definitions, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents are described. Cases are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed definition expounds upon current definitions and identifies the unique experiences and needs of college students who experience the phenomenon. This allows for early identification and support of college students' needs regarding food.

Prevalence of Food Insecurity in the General College Population and Student-Athletes: a Review of the Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to examine the prevalence of food insecurity (FI) among the general college student population with a focus on student-athletes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FI in these groups.

RECENT FINDINGS

FI is estimated to be more prevalent in college students than in the general population, although ranges vary widely. Less is known about FI among college student-athletes. Data on changes in FI prevalence pre-pandemic and during is mixed. Colleges and universities should invest in interventions to address FI on their campuses, and further research on FI among student-athletes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FI is needed.

Prevalence and Social Determinants of Food Insecurity among College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has increased unemployment and food insecurity in the United States (US). Prior to the pandemic, college students exhibited higher rates of food insecurity than nonstudent households. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. We administered an online survey to 651 students on three diverse campuses at a state-funded university in Texas, US, in May 2020. Food security was assessed using a multistep approach that included the 2-item Food Sufficiency Screener and 6-Item USDA Food Security Survey Module (FSSM). Overall, 34.5% of respondents were classified as food insecure within the last 30 days. The strongest predictors of food insecurity were change in current living arrangement (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 2.47, 2.95), being furloughed (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 2.86, 3.64), laid off (OR = 4.07, 95% CI: 3.55, 4.66), or losing part-time work (OR = 5.73, 95% CI: 5.09, 6.46) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the high prevalence of food insecurity among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, with students who experienced housing insecurity and/or loss of income due to the pandemic being impacted the most.