Researching food and housing insecurity among America’s college students: lessons learned and future steps

Abstract

College and university faculty, staff, and administrators are increasingly aware that their student body is experiencing basic need challenges including food and housing insecurity. As a result, a small but developing body of literature is emerging that documents the prevalence and implications of food and housing insecurity among college students. This paper describes three unique efforts, offering insight and recommendations to institutions or researchers considering undertaking similar studies. Drawn from the experience of three sets of researchers, this paper describes the history, studies, experiences, and lessons learned from their research into college student food and housing insecurity and homelessness. The paper also presents recommendations for future research in the area of postsecondary student basic need insecurities.