The Prevalence of Food Security and Insecurity Among Illinois University Students.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to define the food security status of Illinois university students and whether sociodemographic characteristics are related to that status. DESIGN: A cross-sectional research design was used to analyze the food security status of undergraduate Illinois university students, employing a survey containing the Household Food Security Survey Module that was distributed via e-mail to student participants. SETTING: Four public Illinois universities were highlighted, including Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and Western Illinois University. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1,882 undergraduate students participated in the research study in April, 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Variables include food security status and sociodemographic characteristics such as age, sex, race, and academic standing. ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis included frequencies and chi-square tests. RESULTS: The percentage of student respondents in the total sample who were considered food insecure was 35.0%. There were significant relationships between food security status and sociodemographic variables including race, grade point average, loan use, and living location. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study suggests that 35% of respondents were food insecure based on quantitative assessment. Understanding the significant relationship between food security status and race, grade point average, loan use, and living location may be useful in developing services for those in need.

Positive changes in perceptions and selections of healthful foods by college students after a short-term point-of-selection intervention at a dining hall.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the effects of a short-term, multi-faceted, point-of-selection intervention on college students' perceptions and selection of 10 targeted healthful foods in a university dining hall and changes in their self-reported overall eating behaviors. PARTICIPANTS: 104 college students, (age 18-23) completed pre-I and post-I surveys. METHODS: Pre-survey collected at dining hall in April 2007, followed by 3-week intervention then post-survey collected via email. Healthy choice indicators, large signs, table tents, flyers and colorful photographs with "benefit-based messages" promoted targeted foods. Response rate to both surveys was 38%. RESULTS: Significantly more participants reported that healthful choices were clearly identified in the dining hall after the intervention. Over 20% of participants reported becoming more aware of healthful food choices in the dining hall after the intervention. Significant increases in self-reported intake were reported for cottage cheese and low-fat salad dressing, with a trend toward increased consumption of fresh fruit. Seven of the 14 assessed eating behaviors had significant changes in the desired direction. Increased awareness of healthful foods was the top reason for self-reported changes in overall eating behaviors. CONCLUSION: Short-term, multi-faceted, point-of-selection marketing of healthful foods in university dining halls may be beneficial for improving college students' perceptions and selections of targeted healthful foods in the dining hall and may improve overall eating behaviors of college students.