Food Insecurity among a Cohort of Division I Student-Athletes
Jenifer Reader1, Barbara Gordon2, Natalie Christensen1
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209-8117, USA.
Nutrients
|November 11, 2022
Summary
College student-athletes face higher food insecurity risks, particularly football players. This study highlights disparities and unique challenges for athletes navigating food access.
Area of Science:
- Sports Nutrition
- Public Health
- Higher Education Studies
Background:
- College student vulnerability to food insecurity is known, but data on student-athletes is scarce.
- Understanding food insecurity among collegiate athletes is crucial for targeted support.
- Previous research has not adequately addressed the unique circumstances of student-athletes regarding food access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of food insecurity among collegiate student-athletes.
- To compare food insecurity rates between student-athletes and the general university population.
- To identify specific athletic programs with higher risks of food insecurity.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous online survey distributed to collegiate athletes in the northwestern United States.
- Utilized the 10-item US Department of Agriculture Adult Food Security Survey for assessment.
- Collected demographic and living situation data.
Main Results:
- Food insecurity affected 60% of surveyed student-athletes, compared to 42% in the general university population.
- Membership in football (p < 0.001) and track (p = 0.002) teams significantly predicted food security status.
- Football players exhibited a higher risk for food insecurity (η2 = 0.86) than track athletes (η2 = 0.40).
Conclusions:
- Collegiate football players face a statistically significant elevated risk of food insecurity.
- Disparities in food insecurity rates among college populations warrant further investigation.
- Specific considerations for collegiate athletes are essential for addressing food insecurity.
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