Prevalence of food insecurity among students attending four Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duke, Naomi N.; Campbell, Santiba D.; Sauls, Derrick L.; Stout, Robyn; Story, Mary T.; Austin, Tomia; Bosworth, Hayden B.; Skinner, Asheley C.; Vilme, Helene
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 71:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: College student nutrition -- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) -- Hunger Vital Sign -- screening -- student food insecurity; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1877144
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study examined the prevalence of food insecurity (FI) among students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the Southeastern United States. Participants: Students attending four HBCUs ( N = 351) completed an anonymous Web-based survey. Methods: Food insecurity was assessed using the 2-item Hunger Vital Sign Tool. Summary statistics were used to quantify FI experiences. Logistic regression was conducted to determine if student demographic characteristics were significantly associated with FI outcomes. Results: Nearly 3 in 4 students (72.9%) reported some level of FI in the past year. Students representing all levels of postsecondary education reported FI. Meal plan participation did not prevent FI. Conclusions: Students attending HBCUs experience FI at levels that exceed estimates reported among students attending predominantly White institutions. More work is needed to understand the lived experience of food-insecure HBCU students as a means to ensure institution-level food policies support student academic success and wellbeing.