Background

What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity is defined as “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways.” 3 

Why research college food insecurity?

• Changing makeup of college campus (Increase in first generation, students of color, part-time, LGBTQ, disabled,etc.)

• Increase in degree seeking students of different economic situations

• Increase in college tuition and fees without an increase in financial aid

(Overall, college food insecurity has been under recognized, under researched, and not extensively addressed.)

How does food insecurity affect college students?

• Lower graduation rates

• Lower GPAs

• Increased risk of chronic disease and lower nutritent intake

• Higher dropout rates

• Increased psychological distress, shame, anxiety, and depression

• Less career development opportunities

• Housing instbility

How can we address this issue?

• Financial aid modifications

• Creating On-campus food pantries

• Expanding coverage under SNAP to cover college students

• Drive-through pantry pickups

• No-Questions-Asked community fridges or snack spaces