Hungry to Succeed: Understanding and Addressing Food Insecurity for College Students

College students across the United States are experiencing a crisis beyond academics: food insecurity. As tuition, housing, and living costs continue to increase, many students struggle to afford food, impacting their ability to succeed academically and their mental and physical health. At least 33% of students struggle with food insecurity silently.  For low-income, first-generation, and minority students, this issue is severe, often due to existing financial and social pressures. College campuses, once considered, highlight a growing disparity where essential needs go unmet for a significant portion of students. By understanding the causes and consequences of food insecurity and exploring potential solutions, we can work toward a more supportive and equitable environment for higher education students. This paper will explore the underlying causes of food insecurity, its effects on student life, and potential solutions to raise awareness and ensure every student has access to nutritious meals.

Food insecurity is an increasing crisis on college campuses, worsened by rising tuition costs, expensive housing, low wages from part-time student jobs, and restricted access to food assistance programs. The Food and Agriculture Organization outlines four dimensions of food security: food supply, food access, food utilization, and food stability. These dimensions highlight the complexity of food insecurity, which affects students in various ways. For example, a study at Dakota County Technical College revealed that 32% of respondents experienced food insecurity in the previous month. Yet only 16% of those individuals utilized Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Alarmingly, 59% of food-insecure students potentially eligible for SNAP were not receiving any assistance. The 2020 Hope Survey further highlights this issue, showing that 23% of college students experienced food insecurity, 38% among two-year college students, and 29% among four-year students. Marginalized groups, particularly Indigenous (75%), Black (70%), and American Indian or Alaska Native students (70%), faced even higher rates of food insecurity compared to 54% of White students. Food insecurity is about systemic issues, including economic inequality and educational costs not only hunger. 

Additionally, first-generation college students, often from low-income backgrounds, are vulnerable, with 56% reporting food insecurity. Housing instability worsens the problem; students struggling to secure housing frequently encounter challenges affording food. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic intensified these issues as campus closures led to reduced access to support services. There is an urgent need for solutions to address this social issue in higher education. 

Several factors, including rising tuition costs, expensive housing, low wages from part-time jobs, and limited eligibility for food assistance programs, influence food insecurity among college students. These factors make it difficult for students to meet basic needs, creating a high-risk environment for food insecurity on college campuses. This issue affects students' academic performance, mental health, physical health, graduate rates, and debt. 

A report from Trellis Research highlights that 48% of students facing financial difficulties have trouble concentrating on their studies, leading to poor academic performance and elevated stress levels. Additionally, the social stigma surrounding food insecurity can lead students to hide their struggles and prevent them from seeking help. Busy schedules worsen this problem; students working multiple jobs or taking care of family responsibilities may find it hard to access meals, often resorting to inadequate food options. 

Geographic factors also play a role, particularly for students attending colleges in food deserts, where access to affordable and healthy food is limited, and transportation issues can complicate the situation. Research shows that students experiencing food insecurity have a 42% reduced likelihood of graduating and report lower GPAs, higher rates of depression, and poorer overall health compared to their peers. The tuition and meal plan costs add to these challenges, forcing many students to prioritize housing and educational expenses over food. The average meal plan can cost around $4,500 per semester, significantly more than most students can afford on a tight budget — inconsistent food availability during breaks when dining halls close can leave low-income students without options.However, nontraditional students with family obligations and work commitments add another layer of complexity. Financial instability becomes an issue as living expenses continue to rise without income increases. Ultimately, these factors create an environment where food insecurity undermines students’ mental health, academic success, and long-term financial stability. 

Food insecurity is a pressing crisis affecting thousands of college students across the United States, significantly impacting their mental and physical well-being, academic performance, and future opportunities. This blog has explored the root causes of food insecurity, including rising education and housing costs, insufficient wages, and the limited availability of campus dining options, particularly during breaks. Additionally, the social stigma associated with food insecurity, transportation challenges, and the responsibilities of nontraditional students exacerbate the problem. The evidence clearly shows that food insecurity correlates with lower academic performance, higher dropout rates, and increased financial stress, creating obstacles to student success.

Citations

Anon. 2019. 2018 #Real College Survey School Report.

Anon. 2024. United States Government Accountability Office SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Estimated Eligibility and Receipt among Food Insecure College Students.

McCoy, Maureen, Sarah Martinelli, Swapna Reddy, Racheal Don, Adam Thompson, Matthew Speer, Randy Bravo, Micheal Yudell, and Sai Gayatri Darira. 2024. “Food Insecurity on College Campuses: The Invisible Epidemic | Health Affairs Forefront.” Health Affairs Forefront. Retrieved (https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/food-insecurity-college-campuses-invisible-epidemic).

Mowreader, Ashley. 2023. “Report: Addressing the Roots of Food Insecurity in Higher Ed.” Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/health-wellness/2023/12/11/five-factors-causing-food-insecurity-among-college).

Anon. 2024a. “Food Insecurity in College Students | Elevance Health.” Www.elevancehealth.com. Retrieved (https://www.elevancehealth.com/our-approach-to-health/whole-health/food-insecurity-in-college-students).

Anon. 2021. “How Does Food Insecurity Affect College Students?” American Dining Creations. Retrieved (https://adc-us.com/blog/how-does-food-insecurity-affect-college-students/).

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Yasieli Perez