University Student Experiences with Food Insecurity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity among American households. There is limited knowledge on how university students, who were vulnerable to food insecurity prior to the pandemic, have been impacted by COVID-19. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of food insecurity at a private university during the pandemic and identify student coping strategies. Methods: An online survey was distributed via REDCap to university undergraduates. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Security Survey was utilized to determine the prevalence of food insecurity during the fall 2021 semester and 2020-2021 academic year. The survey collected information on student demographics and strategies students used to obtain food. Interviews were conducted with 6 survey participants to gather richer information about student experiences. Results: 292 student responses were analyzed. The prevalence of food insecurity during fall 2021 was 36.7%, and 34.6% during the 2020-2021 academic year. The strongest predictors of food insecurity (in fall 2021) were working 11+ hours/week (OR: 4.42, 95% CI: 1.73-11.7), previous participation in the National School Lunch Program (OR: 4.04, 95% CI: 1.43-12.2), and receiving financial aid (OR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.70-8.86). Themes highlighted in interviews included barriers to accessing food, the impact food insecurity has on overall wellbeing, and programs that students would like implemented. Conclusions: Approximately a third of undergraduates at this university experience food insecurity, with financially disadvantaged students being at highest risk. Barriers to obtaining food for university students needs to be addressed with institutional, statewide, and federal policies.