Food insecurity and utilization of campus food resources differ by demographic and academic group

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2023.122.018

Keywords:

Food Insecurity, University Students, Campus Food Pantry, Higher Education

Abstract

Food insecurity is a major challenge for many college students, negatively affecting their well-being and academic success. To address the challenge, universities are implementing food resources to provide free access to food; however, little is known about how students’ identities affect their utilization of these resources. This study analyzed the relationships among food insecurity, campus food resource participation, and student demographic and academic identity. Survey data were collected from a representative sample (n=1,190) of undergraduate students at the University of California (UC), Davis. Analyses were conducted using chi-square tests of independence and logistic regression to assess factors related to food insecurity and campus food resource participation. The results indicate that transfer students are 84% more likely to experience food insecurity, but 39% less likely to use campus food resources. Both first-generation and fourth- year students disproportionately experience food insecurity and utilize campus food resources more. Latino(a)/Chicano(a)/Hispanic students are twice as likely to experience food insecurity and 49% more likely to use food resources than white/European American students. These results demonstrate that student identity intersects with food insecurity and access in the college environment. These findings can guide recommendations for improving and expanding campus food resources by utilizing equitable outreach strategies that build a support network of food access while reflecting the diverse needs of student populations.

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Author Biographies

Zoee R. Tanner, University of California, Davis

Department of Nutrition, and Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center

Brittany M. Loofbourrow, University of California, Davis

Ph.D.; Department of Nutrition, and Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center

Gwen M. Chodur, University of California, Davis

MSPH, RDN; Department of Nutrition, and Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center

Leslie Kemp, University of California, Davis

MA; Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center

Rachel E. Scherr, University of California, Davis

 Ph.D.; Department of Nutrition. Dr. Scherr is a founder of Scherr Nutrition Science Con­sulting and is now a lecturer at San Francisco State University.

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Published

2023-03-16

How to Cite

Tanner, Z., Loofbourrow, B., Chodur, G., Kemp, L., & Scherr, R. (2023). Food insecurity and utilization of campus food resources differ by demographic and academic group. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 12(2), 63–78. https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2023.122.018

Issue

Section

Justice and Equity Approaches to Student Food (In)Security Peer-Reviewed Papers