Advancing college food security: priority research gaps

Abstract

Despite over a decade of both quantitative and qualitative studies, food insecurity among United States 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 programs and initiatives; and state and federal policies and programs. Within these thematic areas, 19 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 programs and services that better support college student food security needs.

Community-Based Designed Pilot Cooking and Texting Intervention on Health-Related Quality of Life among College Students

“…With improving food security rates among emerging adults, several position pieces have been published regarding the advancement of food security status by several pioneers in the field. Expanding our knowledge of food security rates and risks, assessing college environments, adapting or developing programs, implementing change, and assessing the impact of these programs [ 48 , 49 ], in addition to the expansion of governmentally funded programs for this widely left-out group, further research, and support for health equity across campuses and universities and for marginalized students, particularly via taking an individualized approach per campus [ 49 ], would greatly benefit this field.…”

Persistent and Changing Food Insecurity Among Students at a Midwestern University is Associated With Behavioral and Mental Health Outcomes

“…University programs supporting the transition to residential independence during early adulthood could help smooth the transition to adulthood and mitigate food insecurity and associated health risks. While further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs in different populations, campus settings, and over time, a multifaceted approach including educational programs addressing financial management, 53 food procurement and preparation 54 skills, and awareness of and access to existing support programs may improve food campus food security and provide longer-term benefits 19,55,56 that could help support students into adulthood.…”

“…18 Additional longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the effect of food insecurity transitions on dietary patterns and mental health outcomes of college students. 4,5,19…”