Understanding Coping Mechanisms: An Investigation Into the Strategies Students Use to Avoid, Manage, or Alleviate Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is a growing concern at universities across the country. Data from a large (n = 6,823) cross-sectional, single-campus survey were analyzed to understand the coping strategies college students employ to avoid, manage, or alleviate food insecurity. Findings from quantitative and qualitative data suggest that students engage in and combine multiple forms of coping, are unlikely to use community food resources, and largely cope differently depending on food security level. Overall, students are engaging in food coping mechanisms that could negatively influence college success and completion.