(WITHDRAWN) An Exploration of the Factors Associated with Food Insecurity on College Campuses

Background and Purpose: Food insecurity has always been a serious and pervasive problem, becoming even more so due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Food insecurity among college students can negatively impact student retention, academic success, and social mobility. Additionally, children or adolescents’ experiences with food insecurity can impede physical, mental, and social development resulting in difficulties that may persist into college. As awareness rises, college officials are seeking to understand and adequately address the crisis. Limited research on this problem in the context of private universities is a major barrier in addressing the issue as most students at private universities are typically considered financially affluent. This research study aims to describe the prevalence of food insecurity among college students at private universities and explore its factors including past food insecurity in primary or secondary school.

Methods: This study surveyed a convenience sample of undergraduate college students at a private, faith-based, four-year college in Texas to collect data about food insecurity. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Adult Food Security Survey Module and additional COVID-19 related questions assessed current food security status. Questions from the USDA module were adapted to assess past perceptions of food insecurity experiences. Demographic questions and open-ended questions were also asked.

Results: The sample of respondents (N=222) were predominantly female (59.9%), White (56.3%), and straight (67.1%). Of the sample, 29.9% reported experiences of current food insecurity indicating compromises of quantity and quality of food due to financial strains. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 39.7% of respondents reported difficulties obtaining food on a consistent basis. Regarding past experiences, 25.7% recalled relying on low-cost food due to financial strains during primary or secondary school. 59.9% of respondents reported being unaware of available on-campus resources that address food insecurity. Qualitative responses indicated a desire for diversified student services as well as sentiments of shame associated with seeking assistance. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to explore the influence of past food insecurity experiences on current food insecurity status. Past levels of food insecurity experience was found to be a statistically significant factor (t=3.105**). When sociodemographic factors were added to the regression model, past levels of food insecurity experience became insignificant and being a first-generation student was the only significant factor (t=2.364*).

Conclusions and Implications: The results suggest that students may experience long-lasting food insecurity, implying the presence of chronic food insecurity. Insignificant results of potential factors suggest the confounding that influences food insecurity is associated with demographic variables. Universities may focus on demographic characteristics of students to more accurately anticipate needs and establish responses. It is recommended that universities with similar demographics be more inclusive of first-generation students and past experiences with food insecurity as indicated in qualitative results. Moreover, by increasing awareness and advertising supportive student services, universities will foster a more informed campus and actively combat stigma. Future studies could more explicitly examine the role of financial difficulties.