Student food insecurity: The skeleton in the university closet

Abstract

Aim: Food security is an important nutrition issue among vulnerable population groups such as the young and socioeconomically disadvantaged. The present study sought to identify and describe the prevalence, distribution and severity of food insecurity, and related behavioural adaptations, among a sample of Australian university students. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey design involving a self‐administered questionnaire consisting of 39 food security‐related and 15 demographic questions administered among a sample of university students. Results: A sample of 399 students completed questionnaires representing a response rate of 71.5% of students invited to participate. Sample demography was representative of the total student population except for being overrepresented by full‐time and international students. Food insecurity was evident in the student sample ranging from 12.7% to 46.5% (based on method of analysis). Student food insecurity was significantly associated with those renting, boarding or sharing accommodation, with low incomes or receiving government assistance. Coping strategies developed by students focused on income generation and austerity measures, included living with parents, working more than 10 hours per week outside of university and borrowing money and food. Students who reported food insecurity were more likely to rate their overall health status lower than those who were food secure. Conclusion: The present study suggests university students are at significant risk of food insecurity in part attributed to inadequate income support. Further research is required to assess the broader determinants of food insecurity and appropriate strategy responses, including social support policies, in this population group.

Food Insecurity Among Community College Students: Prevalence and Association With Grade Point Average

“…Previous research on food insecurity among college students has not asked respondents to report whether they were single parents (Chaparro et al, 2009;Hughes et al, 2011). National estimates of food insecurity have found that individuals who are raising children under the age of 18 without a spouse are more likely to experience food insecurity than the general population.…”

Factors Related to the High Rates of Food Insecurity among Diverse, Urban College Freshmen

“…For example, food insecurity has been shown to be 1.5 times higher among Black and Hispanic students compared to White or Asian students. 17 Food insecure students were more likely to receive financial aid, 15 not live with family, 14, 18, 19 to have jobs while taking classes, 17, 19 and to have lower grades. 16 …”

“…16 This cross-sectional study found that food insecure students were more likely to report their health as being ‘fair’ or ‘poor.’ Studies from Australia have shown lower fruit and vegetable consumption among food insecure students 2 and null associations between weight status and food insecurity. 2, 19 Although it is likely that college students in other international settings may differ from those in the U.S., more research is needed in this area.…”

Teaching Ethics in Higher Education Using the Values – Issues – Action (VIA) Model

“…For example, food insecurity and domestic violence are of increasing concern at the student level (Hughes, Serebryanikova, Donaldson, & Leveritt, 2011;Rondeau, 2007). Education becomes a second order issue in relation to basic security needs.…”