Domains of Food Insecurity Experiences Among University Students: The Case of a Public University and Access Institution in the United States

Objectives: Food insecurity defined as the 'lack of consistent access to enough food for a healthy lifestyle' affects 14% to 56% of university students. Students of color, those with no family support, and those on financial aid are most affected. Multiple factors may contribute to food insecurity beyond financial barriers. This study examined the experiences of food insecurity among students at a public university. Methods: Using a case study design, we purposefully sampled 34 undergraduate and graduate students who self-reported worrying about food running out, eating insufficient amounts of food, and lacking nutritious meals. We conducted semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis with NVivo to explore documented and emerging food insecurity experience domains. One student dropped out of the study. Three students, determined to be food secure, were excluded from the analysis. The final sample (n=30) varied on race/ethnicity, first generation status, domestic, international, on-off campus living, gender identity, and degree program. Results: Students' food insecurity experiences were shaped by the university-system domain (e.g., meal plan, dining hours), the university-community domain (e.g., campus food options), and the individual domain (e.g., budget, self-identity stigma, health, skills). Students reported challenges to access food that were shaped by the university-system (e.g., transportation system, food prices) and the individual domains (e.g., transportation, budget). Unmet preferences for healthy foods in the university setting limited food acceptability. Students' sense of agency ('ability to navigate obstacles') influenced food access and food utilization. Students' competing priorities shaped by the university-system domain (e.g., set class schedule) and the individual domain (e.g., employment, caretaking, parenting) influenced experiences of food insecurity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that students' food insecurity experiences are shaped by the university-system, university-community, and individual domains. This knowledge can inform efforts to improve measurement tools and programs to address food insecurity and suboptimal nutrition among students, which is crucial for student retention, academic success, and for upward social mobility and equality.