Food Insecurity and Its Impact on College Students
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Natalie Olenkovsky
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Mathematical Sciences
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Sharmistha Das Iyer
Abstract:
This study investigates the issue of food insecurity among college undergraduates focused on the undergraduate population at Kean University, and its effects on physical well-being and mental health. The research aims to challenge the normalization of food insecurity as a common element of the college experience. Utilizing a Quantitative approach, surveys were distributed through email, social media, and in-person interactions to collect the data on demographic information, the perception of food insecurity in students’ lives, and the impacts of it on their mental and physical well-being, with different questions for one portion of the survey for commuters and those who live on campus to gauge the impact of the campus environment. Over three weeks, 40 students responded to the questionnaires. The research explores students' perceptions of food insecurity in their lives and its varied impacts.
The study delves into the students participants’ perceptions of food insecurity and its varied impacts on physical and mental well-being. The results reveal a significant disconnect between students' self-perceived food security and the objective prevalence of food insecurity as interpreted by the study’s adjusted food insecurity raw scores, as a substantial majority of participants, especially those falling into the first-generation and commuter demographics, face some level of food insecurity without being fully aware of it. Food insecurity significantly affects Kean University students, necessitating a cultural shift and supportive policies. Proposed interventions include campus-wide awareness initiatives, destigmatization efforts, improved financial aid accessibility, and policy changes promoting affordable, nutritious food options.