Understanding Food and Nutrition Insecurity Among College Students: Evidence from a Cross-Campus Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Higher Education Studies

Background:

• Food insecurity and nutrition insecurity are critical public health issues affecting vulnerable populations.
• College students are at elevated risk due to unique socioeconomic and environmental factors.
• Limited research exists on the prevalence and patterns of food and nutrition insecurity within university student populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and patterns of food and nutrition insecurity among students at a public university.
• To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with food and nutrition insecurity in this population.
• To inform targeted interventions and policy recommendations.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to 6538 students at a public university.
• Validated tools were used to measure food insecurity (USDA 10-item tool) and housing security.
• Statistical analyses including ANOVAs and logistic regression were employed to examine demographic differences and predictors.

Main Results:

• 36% of students reported food insecurity, and 20% reported nutrition insecurity.
• Higher rates were observed among students with low income, housing instability, dependents, single status, first-generation status, and Pell Grant eligibility.
• Low annual income and housing insecurity were significant predictors, with housing insecurity being a six-fold greater risk factor for food insecurity.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities in food and nutrition insecurity exist among diverse university students.
• A multifaceted and inclusive approach is necessary to address these challenges.
• Recommendations include emergency financial assistance and structural interventions to improve housing security.