Food Security at a Private, Midwestern University During COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Food insecurity among college students has been estimated between 32.9% to 50.9% of students. Food insecurity among college students is associated with poor nutrition, higher stress levels, and poorer academic outcomes. First-generation, low-income, and students of color are at higher risk of food insecurity.To assess food security at a private university during the COVID-19 pandemic.This cross-sectional study was conducted in Fall 2020 at a private, Midwestern university with approximately 5,400 students. Participants were recruited via email. An online survey was administered to 393 students, aged 18-53 years (M = 20.69 ± 4.07). Participants were predominantly White (n = 338, 86%), US citizens (n = 383, 98%), majority female (n = 300, 76%), mostly undergraduate (n = 361, 92%), and 113 (29%) were first-generation students. Eighty-one (21%) participants reported living with a parent/guardian.The USDA's 18-item Household Food Security Survey was used to assess food security. A total food security score was calculated, and participants categorized as high, marginal, low, or very low food security. A t test was performed to determine if a difference existed between food security scores for participants who were/were not first-generation students.Of the 393 participants, 199 (50.6%) reported high food security, 73 (18.6%) marginal, 51 (13.0%) low, and 70 (17.8%) very low. Based on the USDA classification, 69.2% were food secure while 30.8% were food insecure. First-generation students had significantly greater food insecurity (M = 3.22 ± 3.40) than non-first-generation students (M = 1.67 ± 2.63), [t(169.27) = 4.37, P < 0.000].Food security among participants was higher than estimates for college students pre-COVID-19. One possible explanation is that more students may have been living at their permanent residences due to remote learning. First-generation students continue to be at high risk for food insecurity. Nutrition educators can collaborate with administrators and other stakeholders to provide resources to increase food security among students.