1. Partner with Campus Compact Create & conduct a uniform study
Hunger and Food Insecurity among College Students: Understanding the Problem
and Identifying Solutions.
Alexis Friesz & Dr. Kim Buch
OVERVIEW
Food Insecurity (n): the state that occurs when a person does not have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of food because they are limited by a lack of money and other resources.
Over the past few decades, national studies have measured levels of food insecurity among the United States population, currently claiming that 14.5% of the population is experiencing some level of food insecurity. Multiple studies conducted at the K-12 level also discovered that food insecurity has adverse effects on children’s academic performance, and physical, mental and social health. Recently, however, several studies have been initiated on college campuses to investigate levels of hunger solely among college students. All of these studies suggested that the level of food insecurity may be greater at the college level than at the overall national level. Because of these results and the negative effects known to be related with food insecurity, it is crucial that a thorough understanding be reached of the causes, effects, and best solutions to this college level food insecurity.
RESULTS
Numerous causes of food insecurity exist at the college level, but most appear to be directly linked with finances.
The effects of this food insecurity are adverse, greatly impacting students’ health, functioning, and ability to perform in school.
The most common solution currently used to help alleviate student hunger is campus food pantries. However, these pantries are only the first step in the right direction. Many necessary steps are still to come.
Cause: The ever rising cost of college forces Nick to decide whether he should spend his meager, hard-earned income on tuition and books or food and other groceries.
Effect: Nick is always undernourished, which makes him unable to focus in class or stay awake while studying, and his academic performance suffers. .
Solution: Nick’s school establishes a food pantry where he can shop for free each week. Well fed, he is now able to study better and pay closer attention in class. As a result, his academic performance improves.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Although studies have suggested that high rates of food insecurity exist at the college level (14-59%), each study assessed insecurity by different methods. Moving forward, it would be beneficial to partner with Campus Compact (a national organization that unites campuses by establishing state-wide affiliations) to conduct a uniform study of food insecurity at universities nationwide. Not only would this type of study provide a better picture of the overall problem, but it would also help further address the causes and effects of food insecurity among college students. While campus food pantries are a definite step in the right direction, it is crucial that campuses be able to identify best practices and offer expanded resources that will better meet students’ need
Causes
Rising cost of tuition - up 25% since 2007
Rising cost of meal plans, books, student housing, etc.
Lingering effects of the 2008 recession prevent families from providing financial support
Lack of financial management skills
Lack of food management & cooking skills
Effects
Poor academic performance and class attendance - due to exhaustion & hunger
Fair or poor overall physical health - due to poor dietary choices
Deteriorated mental health - at higher risk for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, etc.
Lowered social health - fear of developing relationships & being identified as poor, hungry, etc.
Accrued debt to buy food - can undermine benefits of a college degree
Solutions
Campus food pantries
Free dining hall meal plans for financially eligible
Financial management classes
Cooking classes
Referrals to free housing programs
Referrals to SNAP, food stamp programs, etc.
Community gardens on campus – provide food to pantries or directly to students
Free resources such as hygiene products, clothing items, school supplies, etc.
UNC Charlotte’s Niner Student Food Pantry
METHODS
An exhaustive literature review was conducted to determine average levels, causes and effects of food insecurity at the college level. Unfortunately, only a few studies have assessed food security on college campuses to date. In order to better understand this issue at the college level, data concerning both the most common causes of national food insecurity and the adverse effects of hunger at the K-12 level were evaluated as well. Qualitative methods, such as interviews with pantry founders and observations of food banks and campus pantries, were also used to determine the type of practices and resources that are currently offered.
Identify practices and resources to alleviate food insecurity
Partner with Campus Compact
Create & conduct a uniform study
References
Cady, C. (2014). Food Insecurity as a Student Issue. Journal of College and Character, 15(4),
Gaines, A., Robb, C. A., Knol, L. L., & Sickler, S. (2014). Examining the role of financial factors, resources, and skills in predicting food security status among college students. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 38(4),
Hinton, I., Howell, J., Merwin, E., Steven, S. N., Turner, S., Williams, I., & Wilson, M. (2010). The educational pipeline for health care professionals: Understanding the source of racial differences. Journal of Human Resources, 45(1), 116–156.