The Prevalence of Food Security and Insecurity Among Illinois University Students

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to define the food security status of Illinois university students and whether sociodemographic characteristics are related to that status.

Design: A cross-sectional research design was used to analyze the food security status of undergraduate Illinois university students, employing a survey containing the Household Food Security Survey Module that was distributed via e-mail to student participants.

Setting: Four public Illinois universities were highlighted, including Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and Western Illinois University.

Participants: A total of 1,882 undergraduate students participated in the research study in April, 2013.

Main outcome measure: Variables include food security status and sociodemographic characteristics such as age, sex, race, and academic standing.

Analysis: Statistical analysis included frequencies and chi-square tests.

Results: The percentage of student respondents in the total sample who were considered food insecure was 35.0%. There were significant relationships between food security status and sociodemographic variables including race, grade point average, loan use, and living location.

Conclusions and implications: This study suggests that 35% of respondents were food insecure based on quantitative assessment. Understanding the significant relationship between food security status and race, grade point average, loan use, and living location may be useful in developing services for those in need.

Keywords: college; food insecurity; food security; hunger; school nutrition; university students.