Addressing Food Insecurity on Campus to Support Student Success

Over the past several years, research has indicated that food insecurity among higher education students is a significant issue, and for many reasons may negatively impact student success. Understanding the impact of food insecurity is important as campus leaders explore ways to remediate hunger on campus.

This blog looks into how food insecurity affects student success, reviews current trends, examines regulatory changes, highlights strategies that colleges and universities are taking to address the issue, and discusses how existing tools can help in supporting these efforts.

The Impact of Food Insecurity on Student Success

Food insecurity—the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life—can impede a student's ability to succeed academically. Students who face food insecurity are more likely to experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. These mental health challenges can lead to decreased focus, lower grades, and an increased likelihood of stopping out.

Additionally, food insecurity often forces students to make difficult choices between purchasing food or other essential items like textbooks and transportation. This financial strain can exacerbate the situation, leading to a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break. Addressing food insecurity is not just about providing meals; it's about creating an environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

Current Trends of Food Insecurity Among College Students

Recent studies highlight the alarming prevalence of food insecurity among college students. A 2020 report by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, found that 23 percent of all undergraduates and 12 percent of graduate students experienced food insecurity.

Food insecurity is prevalent across all sectors in higher education. However, studies show students from low-income families, students who are single parents, and students who are financially independent from their parents are disproportionately affected. This disparity underscores the need for targeted interventions that address the specific needs of these vulnerable groups.

Regulatory Trends Aimed at Addressing Food Insecurity

In response to the growing awareness of food insecurity on college campuses, various regulatory efforts have emerged across the United States. Several states have taken the lead in implementing legislation aimed at reducing food insecurity among students by adopting tailored versions of the Hunger Free Campus Bill originally authored by Swipe Out Hunger.

Regulations aimed at addressing food insecurity include expanding access to state-level Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP), providing benefits navigators to help low-income students get connected with available assistance, and implementing meal swipe donation programs, on-campus food pantries, and more.

At the federal level, there have been discussions about expanding eligibility for SNAP benefits to more college students. Currently, many students are excluded from receiving these benefits due to work requirements or other eligibility criteria. Proposed changes would make it easier for students who are enrolled at least half-time and who meet certain criteria (such as being eligible for work-study) to access these benefits.

How Institutions Are Fighting Food Insecurity

Recognizing the critical need to address food insecurity, many institutions have developed innovative programs to support their students. Here are some of the ways colleges and universities are making a difference:

• Meal Swipe Donation Programs: These programs allow students to donate unused meal plan credits to their peers in need. Institutions can work with their existing meal plan management system to configure the settings needed to empower this type of program.
• Emergency Meal Assistance: Some universities offer emergency meal vouchers that students can use at campus dining facilities. These programs provide immediate support to students facing unexpected financial hardships. These funds can be easily dispersed through a declining balance program in which students who need assistance can receive meal equivalency funds directly on their campus ID card.
• Campus Food Pantries: Many institutions have established on-campus food pantries stocked with non-perishable food items and fresh produce. These pantries often operate in collaboration with local food banks and community organizations, providing a vital resource for students in need.
• Community Gardens: Campus community gardens not only provide fresh produce to students, but also offer educational opportunities related to sustainable agriculture and nutrition.

Existing Tools that can Support Food Insecurity Efforts

As institutions work to address food insecurity, software solutions can play a critical role in streamlining efforts and maximizing the impact. For example, campus card systems can be integrated with meal swipe donation programs, allowing students to easily transfer their unused swipes to a communal pool. Campus card systems may also be used to help manage physical access to spaces like a campus food pantry or community garden.

Campus mobile apps can help connect students with available resources, such as food pantries, meal vouchers, and government benefits. These apps can offer a discreet and convenient way for students to access help without stigma. Data analytics tools can also help institutions track the effectiveness of their programs, making it easier to identify areas for improvement and report outcomes to stakeholders.

Additionally, student information systems can help identify students who may be at risk of food insecurity by analyzing financial aid data, academic performance, and other indicators, enabling targeted outreach and support.

Conclusion

Addressing food insecurity on campus is not just about providing food. It's about ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. By understanding the impact of food insecurity, staying informed about current trends and regulatory changes, and leveraging innovative strategies and software solutions, campus administrators can support the students who may need it the most. The efforts made today to combat food insecurity will have lasting effects on the success and well-being of students across the nation.