Research trends and gaps concerning food insecurity in college students in the United States: a scoping review

• Published in: Journal of American college health pp. 1 - 40
• Main Authors: Goldman, Barbara J, Freiria, Carolina Neves, Landry, Matthew J, Arikawa, Andrea Y, Wright, Lauri
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 13-06-2024
• Subjects: university students; College students; food insecurity; food security; scoping review
• ISSN: 1940-3208
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2351420

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.
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.
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.
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.