Food insecurity, adverse childhood experiences, and eating disordered behavior in college students

Objective: Food insecurity (FIS) is a substantial concern for many college students. Evidence suggests that FIS and adverse childhood events (ACEs) are separately linked to higher rates of eating disordered behavior. Method: The present study examines food insecurity and ACEs together as predictors of eating disordered behavior in a sample of students (n = 346) from an Appalachian university. Results: indicate that rates of food insecurity were fairly high in this sample, with approximately 70% of the sample experiencing childhood and current food insecurity. Current food insecurity and ACEs were each associated with eating disordered behavior, with a model including both variables accounting for more of the variance in eating disordered behavior. Conclusions: Implications for these findings within a college campus are discussed, including consideration of trauma-informed approaches to better understand and address the combination of food insecurity, ACEs, and eating disordered behavior.