Proposed reasons for the disproportionate levels of food insecurity include an increased number of students from low-income families attending college, increased college expenses, decreased financial aid offerings, and policies that serve as barriers to students qualifying for food assistance programs.

Reasons for Food Insecurity Among Undergraduate Students

An estimated 41% of undergraduate college students report being food insecure, a much higher rate compared to a reported 11% of US households.

Cleveland State University

Health Psychology research studies relating to food insecurity include

- Food Insecurity, Associated Health Behaviors, and
Academic Performance Among Urban University
Undergraduate Students
-  Food Insecurity, Hunger, Stress, and Homelessness Among Young Adults
- Eating Disorder Pathology in Food Insecure Populations 

Health Psychology Research Relating to Food Insecurity

Ryan, R. A., Murphy, B., Deierlein, A. L., Lal, S., Parekh, N., &amp; Bihuniak, J. D. (2022). Food insecurity, associated health behaviors, and academic performance among Urban University Undergraduate Students. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 54(3), 269–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2021.08.008 

Food Insecurity, Associated Health Behaviors, and
Academic Performance Among Urban University
Undergraduate Students

Prevalence of Food Insecurity Among Undergraduate Students

Food insecurity in young adults under 30 who experience homelessness is as high as 85%. Food insecurity also persists even after exiting homelessness through programming such as permanent supportive housing.

Food Insecurity Prevalence in Young Adults Who Experience Homelessness

In a study investigating associations between eating disorder pathology and those with food insecurity, majority of individuals who were food insecure displayed significantly higher levels of binge eating, overall eating disorder pathology, dietary restraint, weight self-stigma, and worry compared to individuals with lower levels of food insecurity. 

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