Hidden Hunger: Understanding the Complexity of Food Insecurity Among College Students. (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fortin, Kelsey; Harvey, Susan; Swearingen White, Stacey
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Volume 40:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 242
• Page End: 252
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Food insecurity -- nutrition -- community health -- qualitative research -- health education; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition disorders -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2020.1754304
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0731-5724

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this research was to explore the complexity of college student food insecurity through eating patterns, food assistance, and health of food-insecure university students. Methods: A mixed-methods approach utilizing qualitative focus groups and individual interview data and survey quantitative data was used. All data collection took place on campus at a large Midwestern university in the Spring semester of 2018. Participants were Midwestern university students (n = 30), freshman to graduate level classified, with very low food security (USDA-Six Item Short Form). Results: Seven percent (n = 2) were currently enrolled in food assistance programming (SNAP), and 30% (n = 9) reported family enrollment growing up (WIC and SNAP). Seven major themes emerged highlighting nutritional habits, food adaptations, health and well-being impacts, and additional campus programming addressing food assistance. Data triangulation informed a complexity diagram with the major categories of student characteristics of food insecurity, campus resource barriers, additional student needs, health and well-being impacts, and student adaptations and coping influencing the complexity surrounding student food insecurity. Conclusions: College student food insecurity is multifaceted and complex. Common themes emerged among both individual-level factors and university structures, providing a deeper understanding of both the complexity and contributors to the college student experience. Further research and intervention are needed to explore this phenomenon and address student needs.