Correlates of food insecurity among undergraduate students

Abstract

Food insecurity has been identified as an issue among postsecondary students. We conducted this study to describe the level of food insecurity in a sample of university students with a particular interest in the effect of marginalization. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a volunteer sample of 3,490 undergraduate students (44% participation rate) at one BC university campus between February and May 2017. Experiences of food insecurity were reported by 42.3% (n=1,479) of respon-dents. Among those who were food insecure 60.2% (n=891) were female. Logistic regression analysis indicated that females, students living on campus, those with a diversability (developmental, physical, or other disability), individuals self-reporting as belonging to a visible minority, and international students were more likely to experience food insecurity than comparator groups. When adjusted for gender, years on campus, and living situation, students who reported experiencing two or more forms of marginalization were 2.52 times more likely to be food insecure compared to students who do not report any form of marginalization. This study further supports concerns about high levels of food insecurity among university students in Can-ada. In particular, the findings highlight the risk for food insecurity among students who are already vulnerable to socio-eco-nomic inequity due to belonging to marginalized groups. Efforts to promote student well-being on university campuses need to address food insecurity by addressing system-level factors to equalize the field for all students at risk for food insecurity.