Understanding student food insecurity in Aotearoa: revealing the tip of the iceberg

Worldwide, food insecurity among university students is a growing concern as students face unique challenges that exacerbate their risk (1) . Despite this, no data exists for New Zealand students. We aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity among New Zealand university students, while also exploring students’ reported barriers to accessing food, how they navigate these, and how this differs by food security status. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among students at the University of Auckland. Food insecurity was assessed using the 10-item US Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module. Additional data were collected on student socio-demographic and course of study characteristics, barriers and coping strategies, and awareness, need, and use of university support. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess differences in variables of interest by food security status. The survey was completed by 347 students. Their mean age was 22.1 ± SD 4.7 years, 78% were female, and just under half (45%) experienced food insecurity. After adjusting for age, number of people living in the dwelling, and type of degree, we found that students who lived in off-campus rental accommodation (OR = 3.46, 95% CI 1.81, 6.61, p < 0.001) or lived on campus (OR = 3.14, 95% CI 1.57, 6.28, p = 0.001) were 3 times more likely to be food insecure compared to peers who lived with their parents or family. In comparison to students who reported feeling financially secure, those who reported being financially insecure had high odds of being food insecure (OR = 21.38, 95% CI 5.53, 82.71, p < 0.001). High cost of food and limited time to shop or cook were the most commonly reported barriers to food security. Strategies frequently used to address these were purchasing cheap food and saving food for later, particularly for food-insecure students. A large proportion of students said they would like information on how to cook simple or cheap healthy meals (52%) and how to budget (48%). Overall, there was low awareness (23%) and use (12%) of food relief or support initiatives available through the University (e.g., student food pantries). Our results show a high prevalence of food insecurity among New Zealand university students. Understanding the predictors of food insecurity may help to identify students at greater risk and who might benefit from additional support. Furthermore, findings shed light on the complexity of student food insecurity and warrant the need for future research that focuses on addressing the challenges students navigate.