Factors Predicting Food Insecurity Among Students at a Historically Black College University

Introduction. The prevalence (32.9%) of food insecurity (FI) among college students is three times higher than the U.S. household rate. FI research among students of color and in minority serving institutions is very limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of FI among students at an Historically Black College & University (HBCU), and to determine factors associated with and predictive of FI.

Methods. A cross-sectional, stratified random sample was selected from the university’s 2,568 eligible student population. Surveys to assess FI status and associated factors were administered online; 226 completed surveys were included in the analysis. USDA definitions and methods were used to calculate FI status. Univariate logistic regression was utilized to determine associated factors, while lasso regression assessed factors predicting FI.

Results. The observed prevalence of FI was 47.3%. Among 56 sociodemographic, social supports, and coping behavioral factors assessed, 22 were observed as significantly associated and 2 significantly predicted FI. This presentation reports on the strength of associations and level of effect each of these factors have on FI.

Conclusions. Assessing a representative sample of the university population, we observed FI higher than the national university average. FI ranges vastly for academic institutions. Associated factors will vary based on the environment and life experience. This study may inform how to appropriately tailor approaches to improve access to resources that alleviate FI.