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Food for Thought: Food Insecurity in Women attending Community Colleges
Abstract
To investigate food insecurity in community college students, our research team developed a mixed methods study. For the first phase, we interviewed 16 Maryland community college administrators to determine which community colleges had food banks or food pantries. The second phase involved gathering in depth information from 6 community college leaders who have food pantries on their campuses, about food insecurity and student success. Phase 3 consisted of surveying 200+ community college students in Fall 2017, using a survey that measured food insecurity and student success, defined as what students must do to successfully complete their college program. For this project, student success includes two elements that can lead to completion - concentration levels and energy levels, and one traditional metric of success, grade point average (GPA). Our research validates earlier studies and highlights the particular problem areas for women students in community colleges. We found that they are more likely to be food insecure than men attending community colleges. In addition, the most food insecure students in our research were single parents and minority women. Moreover, using a Pell Grant to pay for school was a predictor of food insecurity for women in general. Finally, women over 20 were almost three times more likely to be food insecure than younger women.
... One additional publication became available during the preparation of this manuscript and was subsequently included in the data and discussion. Therefore, a total of 47 articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed and evaluated [6-9, 10 ••, 11-17, 18•, 19, 20•, 21•, 22•, 23-28, 29•, 30-37, 38••, [39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52] (see Table 1). ...
... Of the 47 studies, 44 were cross-sectional research [6-9, 10••, 11, 15-17, 18•, 19, 20•, 21•, 22•, 23-28, 29•, 30-37, 38••, [39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52] and three were cohort design [12,13,44]. Two of the studies were performed at 2-year institutions [25,46] with the other 45 at 4-year institutions [6-9, 10 ••, 11-17, 18•, 19, 20•, 21•, 22•, 23, 24, 26-28, 29•, 30-37, 38••, 45, 47-52]. ...
... Of the 47 studies, 44 were cross-sectional research [6-9, 10••, 11, 15-17, 18•, 19, 20•, 21•, 22•, 23-28, 29•, 30-37, 38••, [39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52] and three were cohort design [12,13,44]. Two of the studies were performed at 2-year institutions [25,46] with the other 45 at 4-year institutions [6-9, 10 ••, 11-17, 18•, 19, 20•, 21•, 22•, 23, 24, 26-28, 29•, 30-37, 38••, 45, 47-52]. All but two of the studies were focused on the general college student population (non-athletes) while the other two were focused on student-athletes [10••, 38••]. ...
Purpose of Review
The purpose of this review is to examine the prevalence of food insecurity (FI) among the general college student population with a focus on student-athletes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FI in these groups.
Recent Findings
FI is estimated to be more prevalent in college students than in the general population, although ranges vary widely. Less is known about FI among college student-athletes. Data on changes in FI prevalence pre-pandemic and during is mixed.
Summary
Colleges and universities should invest in interventions to address FI on their campuses, and further research on FI among student-athletes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FI is needed.
... Serving the most diverse and disadvantaged postsecondary students in the country, community colleges enroll 40-70% of ethnic and racial minorities (Carnevale et al., 2020). One area that needs more attention exclusive from the general knowledge about college students and their success, is the effect of food insecurity among the most vulnerable community college students-women with dependent children, the underprepared, the poor, and the most nutritionally disadvantaged (Goldrick-Rab et al., 2017;Maroto, 2013;Spaid & Gillett-Karam, 2018). By questioning the ideas of student success for these students, early metrics demonstrate differences from senior college students (Goldrick-Rab et al., 2015;Goldrick-Rab et al., 2017;Goldrick-Rab et al., 2018;Wood et al., 2016). ...
... Goldrick-Rab and associates chose to conduct large-scale studies sending a version of the HFSSM to thousands of student email addresses that the students completed online (Goldrick-Rab et al., 2015;Goldrick-Rab et al., 2017;Goldrick-Rab et al., 2018;Maroto, 2013). Spaid and Gillett-Karam (2018) chose to approach several hundred students on community college campuses, face-to-face, using electronic tablets loaded with the HFSSM for students to complete in-person. With the evidence of several studies (Goldrick-Rab, 2018;Maroto, 2013;Spaid & Gillett-Karam, 2018;Wood et al., 2016) that indicate a relationship between student success and food insecurity, there is a need to explore this topic further. ...
... Spaid and Gillett-Karam (2018) chose to approach several hundred students on community college campuses, face-to-face, using electronic tablets loaded with the HFSSM for students to complete in-person. With the evidence of several studies (Goldrick-Rab, 2018;Maroto, 2013;Spaid & Gillett-Karam, 2018;Wood et al., 2016) that indicate a relationship between student success and food insecurity, there is a need to explore this topic further. ...
To assess the connections between student success and food insecurity of community college students the authors present the results of three studies conducted between fall 2017 and spring 2020. Using a cross-sectional design and the intercept method, 858 participants completed the Household Food Security Survey Module. The three hypotheses for the studies were: there is a relationship between food insecurity and (a) GPA, (b) concentration, and (c) energy levels. Food insecurity levels for the participants varied-Monroe, 99%; Spaid and Gillett-Karam, 52%; and Liburd, 30%. Liburd found a significant relationship for all three hypotheses. Monroe's 2020 findings that 99% of her sample was food insecure presents challenges for addressing unmet needs for African American/Black students. Spaid and Gillett-Karam's 2018 findings showed that minority women with Pell Grants had food insecurity levels three times higher than other groups. Traditional student support services should include supplemental services for food-insecure student populations.
... A study conducted in Portugal found similar results, with no significant associations found with age, gender, employment status, or education level [40]. However, this observation is contrary to previous studies that reported associations between food insecurity and these variables [5,13,37,41]. Several factors may contribute to this disparity. ...
Food insecurity is a pressing global concern affecting individuals across all age groups. Despite its widespread impact, a notable gap remains in the literature, particularly in reference to the literature concerning university students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of food insecurity and examine its associated factors, including mental and general health and academic performance, among university students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 421 students from King Abdulaziz University participated in this study, completing a questionnaire that measured food insecurity, academic performance, and mental and general health. About 40% of the respondents experienced some level of food insecurity, which was categorized as mild (20.4%), moderate (13.0%), or severe (5.6%). Significant associations were observed between food insecurity and monthly household income (p < 0.001) and general health (p < 0.005), respectively. However, the associations were weaker between food insecurity and perceived stress (p < 0.066) and the impact of COVID-19. Notably, no significant correlation was found between food security and socio-demographic characteristics or academic performance. This study highlights the prevalence of food insecurity among university students in Saudi Arabia and emphasizes the need for further research to gain a better understanding of its complexities. Such insights can empower universities and policymakers to implement targeted interventions, thereby enhancing the learning experience and future success of university students.
... For example, a study of 42 public colleges and universities in Wisconsin [14] highlighted that students that grew up in food insecure homes self-identify as a racial/ethnic minority, live off-campus, and attend college in an urban area are significantly more likely to report the lowest level of food security, often associated with hunger. Spaid [15] also reported that women over 20 years were almost three times more likely to be food insecure than younger women. ...
Objective: The full academic potential of tertiary students in Jamaica is diminished by their struggles to secure tuition and non-tuition financial resources. Principal among student needs is the ability to consume regular healthy meals. This study among three tertiary institutions in Jamaica explored the dynamics that affect student food security and how this can harm student success. It also examined how frequently tertiary students worry about feeding themselves and the extent to which they restrict their food intake. Methods: The analysis classified students as having low, moderate and severe hunger. Nine hundred and seventy-nine students completed the surveys through a quantitative method approach to collect data from students in different disciplines. To determine the factors related to hunger several demographic, socio-economic, living conditions and academic-related variables were examined. Results: The study found that most of the students (38.3%) suffered from severe hunger followed by moderate hunger (33%) and the lowest proportion (29.3%) with no/mild hunger. More than 70% of students worried each month about not having enough food while 33% of the students sometimes do not eat for an entire day. Their physical and emotional readiness to study was compromised as 40% said hunger affected their academic work via a variety of reasons such as headaches, poor concentration, and missed classes. Importantly, the low-achieving students experienced the most hunger. Conclusion: With data showing a strong link between food insecurity and student disengagement, the issue of hunger on campus represents a priority. The study concludes that administrators, counselors and the students themselves have critical roles to address hunger if tertiary institutions are to fully meet their educational mandate.
... This myriad of ambitions particularly impact completion. A recent accounting from the American Association of Community Colleges illumined that less than two-fifths of community college students (38.2%) have within six years successfully completed their education [13,14]. Considering that community colleges enroll communities mostly likely to be historically excluded and subject to a myriad of systemic barriers, Mia's narrative can provide insight into community college access and completion concerns. ...
Communities frequently treated as ‘have-nots’ in higher education are a window into the condition of postsecondary education access, exclusion, inequities, and outcomes. This reality is no more evident than with the college-going trajectories of low-income single mothers of color. Evoking the possibilities of narrative inquiry in general, and life history method in particular, the author explores the college-going ecology, decisions, and trajectory of a 35-year-old low-income Filipina single mother. Through this empirical undertaking, particular attention is paid to the challenges present within the informant’s context of information, time, and opportunity—the three dimensions of the Iloh Model of College-Going Decisions and Trajectories. Findings of this narrative include prolonged and disjointed experiences; poor navigational structures and asymmetries of information; and institutional constraints, barriers, and disregard. In addition to insights that reflect decision-making challenges and buyer’s remorse of minoritized students; this study situates new directions for addressing concerning contexts of time, information, and opportunity for single mothers pursuing college.
For the past three decades, food pantries have been an intermittent presence on college campuses; however, in the past decade or so, they have become more present, funded by universities, local food banks, and the occasional grant. For many colleges, food pantries exist with very soft and intermittent funds, if they are funded at all. Some are set up with one-off funds and thereafter exist under an unfunded mandate. This work explores the state of food pantries at institutions of higher education and shares a real-world case of pursuing grant funding for a local college food pantry.
Objective:
This scoping review explores the broad body of peer-reviewed research measuring food insecurity in post-secondary students in the U.S. to identify trends and gaps to inform future research.
Methods:
Three search engines (PubMed, Web of Science, and CINHAL Full Text) were systematically searched for articles reporting on food security status in U.S. college students.
Results:
One-hundred and sixty studies met inclusion criteria. Emerging high-risk student characteristics include gender non-conforming (GNC) and non-binary, financial independence in college, and pregnant and parenting students. Emerging correlates include lack of transportation, anxiety, and eating disorders.
Conclusions:
Prevalence data can be used by colleges to advocate for services and programs. Additional multi-institutional cohort, longitudinal and qualitative studies are needed to identify timely interventions and effective solutions. A new "rights-based" approach to food security solutions that includes nutrition and food literacy for all students is needed.
As parenting students are an underserved subset of the growing nontraditional college student population in the United States, this study aims to understand and illuminate the experiences of single mother students while in pursuit of a post-secondary credential. This research is motivated by the following research questions, viewed within the context of a participant's identities: How do single mother college students perceive institutional support services? How do single mother college students experience their interactions with faculty? What institutional systems are in place that pose the biggest barriers to persistence and degree completion for single mother college students? A phenomenological qualitative study using an intersectional theoretical framework was conducted at an urban community college in the Midwest in pursuit of insight into these questions. Thirteen single mother students were recruited to participate in one-on-one interviews via a recruitment statement on a survey and word of mouth. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Pseudonyms were used to protect the identity of participants in the survey and interviews. The findings of this study provide insight to the perceptions of a largely invisible student population, during a global pandemic, while offering awareness of how larger societal structures influence student experiences. The findings inform institutions on ways to support parenting students in their pursuit of a post-secondary credential.
This report examines the extent to which year-to-year changes in the prevalence of U.S. household food insecurity can be explained by changes in the national unemployment rate, inflation, and the price of food relative to other goods and services. Data are from the 2001-12 Current Population Survey Food Security Supplements and statistics on employment and prices from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Understanding the strength and consistency of these associations can broaden understanding of how national and household economic conditions affect food insecurity. As an example, the report sheds light on why food security has remained essentially unchanged since the 2007-09 recession. Falling unemployment from early post-recession (2009-10) to 2012, absent any other changes, would suggest a modest decline in the prevalence of food insecurity. However, this report finds that potential improvement was almost exactly offset by the effects of higher inflation and the higher relative price of food in 2012.
An estimated 87.7 percent of American households were food secure throughout the entire year in 2016, meaning they had access at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. The remaining households (12.3 percent) were food insecure at least some time during the year, including 4.9 percent with very low food security, meaning that at times the food intake of one or more household members was reduced and their eating patterns were disrupted because the household lacked money and other resources for obtaining food. Changes from 2015 to 2016 in food insecurity overall (from 12.7 to 12.3 percent) and in very low food security (from 5.0 to 4.9 percent) were not statistically significant, but they continued a downward trend in food insecurity from a high of 14.9 percent in 2011. Among children, changes from 2015 in food insecurity and very low food security were also not statistically significant. Children and adults were food insecure in 8.0 percent of households with children in 2016, essentially unchanged from 7.8 percent in 2015. Very low food security among children was 0.8 percent in 2016, essentially unchanged from 0.7 percent in 2015. In 2016, the typical food-secure household spent 29 percent more on food than the typical food-insecure household of the same size and household composition. About 59 percent of food-insecure households participated in one or more of the three largest Federal food and nutrition assistance programs during the month prior to the 2016 survey (food stamps (SNAP); Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the National School Lunch Program).
This study investigated the prevalence of food insecurity among community college students (N = 301) and the relationship between food insecurity and student grade point average (GPA). It employed a cross-sectional intercept survey, utilizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Household Food Security Survey Module, student self-reported GPA, and demographic variables. The research setting was two community colleges in Maryland—one located in a low income urban area and one located in an affluent suburban area. Results demonstrate that 56% of the students in the overall sample were classified as food insecure. Students at higher risk of food insecurity included those who reported living alone and those who reported being single parents. Students identifying themselves as African American or as multiracial were also at increased risk for food insecurity. Food insecure students were more likely than food secure students to report a lower GPA (2.0–2.49) versus a higher GPA (3.5–4.0). Data suggest that food insecurity is an issue for a large percentage of the community college student sample. Food insecurity may have adverse effects on student academic performance and is a factor to be considered by college administrators, faculty, and students.
INTRODUCTION: Prior research indicates that food insecurity has adverse effects on adult cognition and child academic performance. Food insecurity is more common among African Americans and low-income individuals and both of these groups are overrepresented at U.S. community colleges. Research on food insecurity among community college students is sparse in the published literature.
This study investigated the prevalence of food insecurity among community college students and the relationship between food insecurity and student energy and concentration level.
METHODS: Data were collected using a survey at two community colleges in Maryland; one located in a low income urban area (n=150) and one located in an affluent suburban area (n=151).
Food insecurity was assessed using the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM). Students also reported their energy and concentration levels, demographic and living situation information.
RESULTS: Over 50% of the students in the overall sample were food insecure. Food insecurity affected 59% of students at the urban community college and 53% of students at the suburban community college. Food insecurity was significantly associated with lower student energy and concentration levels in the overall sample and at the urban community college.
DISCUSSION: Data suggest that food insecurity may be an issue for a large percentage of the community college population, regardless of the income of the surrounding area. Food insecurity may have adverse effects on students' ability to succeed in college and is a factor to be considered by college administrators, faculty and students.
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