Student perceptions of on‐campus foodscapes at a Canadian university

Foodscapes play a critical role in how individuals interact with their food environment. This study examines post‐secondary campus foodscapes and how students engage with and perceive these institutional food environments. Survey and interview data from graduate and undergraduate students at Western University reveal that students often encounter food security‐related challenges, particularly concerning the availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability of food. Students living in on‐campus accommodations are often required to purchase campus‐provided meal plans and report more frequent on‐campus food purchases than those living off campus. To navigate on‐campus foodscape challenges, students employ various strategies, including attending free food events and seeking financial support from parents. However, these strategies are reactive and not equitably accessible. Notably, graduate students reported increased access to on‐campus kitchen amenities, including refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers, primarily through association with departmental research labs. This reflects institutional structures and hierarchies that prioritize certain groups of individuals over others. By centring student voices, this research provides a greater understanding of how post‐secondary foodscapes influence students’ experiences and perceptions of food security.