University Students and Food Insecurity: A Literature Review XNB453

This literature review examines food insecurity, focusing on its prevalence, determinants, and impact on university students. The review highlights alarming statistics from the FAO, indicating significant food insecurity threats, particularly in Asia and Africa. Key determinants discussed include economic constraints, lack of nutritional knowledge, and the influence of fast food. The paper identifies specific population groups, such as university students, who are at higher risk due to factors like limited financial resources and cultural shock. Interventions to address food insecurity, including community-level food assistance and educational programs, are explored, along with their effectiveness. The review emphasizes the need for improved strategies to enhance student retention and educational outcomes, as well as the importance of government and university interventions to combat the issue.

Running head: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN NUTRITION 1
Professional Practice in nutrition
Student name:
Student ID:
Author’s note

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Table of Contents
Food insecurity statistics..................................................................................................................3
Key determinants of food insecurity................................................................................................3
Different population groups that experience higher rates of food insecurity..................................4
Relation between food insecurity and University students..............................................................5
Intervention to address food insecurity and their effectiveness.......................................................5
Reference.........................................................................................................................................7

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Food insecurity statistics
The term food insecurity is often used to determine the event of being without reliable
access of food which meets adequate nutritional requirements. Reports provided by the FAO of
United Nations, provide alarming statistics to the risk of poor nourishment on a global basis. In
2018, Asia and Africa reported high levels of poor nutrition among the population. The results
provided shocking overview stating that 36% Australians are subjected to threats of food
insecurity (Sadegholvad, Yeatman, Parrish & Worsley, 2017). Food insecurity is rightly
measured through the use of survey. The survey can be termed as right tool as it works on
measuring the perception of the chosen population. The mentioned statistics provide a clear
understanding to the fact that there exists disparity in regards to the distribution of nutritional
food or the access to the same and utilising the available resources.
Key determinants of food insecurity
The prime determinant of food insecurity is economic constraints. As stated by Davidson
and Morrell (2018), it becomes difficult for certain individuals to avail the required level of
nutrition due to low economic support. However, it should be noted that economic constraint is
not the only limiting factor to food and nutrition. Thus, it would be fair enough to state the level
of food insecurity was fuelled on the countries with high level of dependence on primary
commodity (Rolfe & Hudson-Sharp, 2017). Based on the statement it can be conclusively stated
university students are at high risk of food insecurity as they are subjected to limited economic
funds that strains access to healthy food.
In the current scenario, where inflationary pressure arising from depreciation of their
national currencies against US dollars can be termed as one of the prime factors that lead to

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increase in food prices at domestic level leading to worse scenarios in regards to food insecurity
(Lindberg et al. 2015). In addition to that the rise in domestic prices of food is not a limiting
cause of food insecurity. Frongillo et al. (2017), pointed out the fact that lack of knowledge
about proper nutrition is a leading cause of food insecurity. University students are often seen to
eat series of food that may have no nutritional value and only contribute to the increase in
calories. Subsequently, it becomes important to note the fact, the rising levels of fast food joints
often act as a hindrance for suitable mode of nutrition. As stated by Perez-Escamilla et al. (2017)
fast food joints are seen to be in close proximity and at larger frequency as compared to the
healthy eating places
Population group with high level of food insecurity and link to university students
As observed by Cafiero, Viviani & Nord (2018), young students in universities are often
exposed to increasing risk of food insecurity as they are subjected to increasing pressure of
studies and pressure to meet the demands. The university students are often subjected to cultural
shock that happens among international students making them to prone to food insecurity
(Gallegos, Ramsey & Ong, 2013). Thus, it can be stated it is important to understand the fact
that all the ages are subjected to food insecurity. However, it becomes important to understand
the fact how well the ages handle it to minimise the potential impact of the same (Lindberg et al.
2015)
In 2015, household with income 185% below the predetermined line of federal poverty,
food insecurity was seen to be higher than the actual national average (Hay et al, 2017). The
mentioned statement suggests the fact students receiving financial aid are prone to face food
insecurity. Report provide a study pertaining to the fact educational expense is the first priority
for the money being provided even before the food. The relationship further suggests if there is

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an increase in expense related to education then there are high chances that issues pertaining to
insecurity may increase as well. In addition to that international students are often subjected to
cultural shock making it difficult for them to cope with changing food habits (Sadegholvad,
Yeatman, Parrish & Worsley, 2017). It is for the same reason; these students are often seen to opt
for food with poor nutrition
However, Rolfe and Hudson-Sharp (2016) argued the fact it is not always the educational
cost is seen to play major role. More than one out of four college students are seen to have a
child that needs support and care. The increasing cost of childcare makes it difficult for them to
opt for nutritional food and thus they rely on instant meals exposing them to food insecurity.
Instant meals are one of the leading cause of poor nutrition and even obesity (Davidson &
Morrell, 2018). The increasing advertisements of instant meals often influences their decision of
making the right choices of nutrition. Thus, it can be conclusively stated students are seen to lack
the required knowledge pertaining to importance of proper nutrition.
Intervention to address food insecurity and their effectiveness
Students who are seen to have limited access to nutrition, might have lower grades and
even lower test scores, coupled with lower chance of graduating. Some studies found
relationship between food insecurity and GPA; students with 3.1 GPA are at limited risk to suffer
from food security (Hay et al. 2017). Thus, it can be seen food insecurity is seen to have adverse
impact on physical and even psychological impact. Thus, following are the possible interventions
that can be undertaken by the Universities to combat food crisis in their campus:
 Community level help in food assistance is important, cooking programs can be
implemented for enhancing the knowledge about cooking (health.qld.gov.au, 2019).

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Proper knowledge about cooking can work on reducing the food insecurity among the
university students
 As per Food Act 2006 in Australia food insecurity issues can be addressed. The
mentioned act can work on order the food manufacturing companies to manufacture
foods for everyone as per the nutritional requirements (Lindberg et al. 2015)
The limited access to food is often termed as a leading cause to compromise the health of
tertiary students. Students are often seen to rely on the funds provided by the government.
Research conducted by Gallegos, Ramsey & Ong (2013), provided a clear understanding that
the current interventions are not effective enough. One out of every 4 students are seen to be
insecure and this statistic doubled as compared to the previous reports (Gallegos, Ramsey &
Ong, 2013). Hence, it can be conclusively stated the mentioned strategies undertaken by the
government is not effective enough.
Thus, it can be conclusively stated it is important to ensure that strategies should be
worked upon for improving the rates of retention, coupled with educational outcome among
the students. A study by Davidson and Morrell (2018), the first generation students were
often termed to receive financial aid are more likely to be food insecure. In order to enjoy
financial aid, student needs to exhibit need for financial assistance to attend educational
institute. However, the increasing rates of food insecurity provide an idea that the financial
intervention under the Australian Government as the statistics related to food insecurity is
seen to rise.

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Reference
Cafiero, C., Viviani, S., & Nord, M. (2018). Food security measurement in a global context:
The food insecurity experience scale. Measurement, 116, 146-152.
health.qld.gov.au (2019) Health and Wellbeing Strategic Framework 2017 to 2026 |
Queensland Health. Retrieved 27 August 2019, from
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/strategic-direction/plans/health-
wellbeing
Davidson, A. R., & Morrell, J. S. (2018). Food insecurity prevalence among university
students in New Hampshire. Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, 1-10.
Frongillo, E. A., Nguyen, H. T., Smith, M. D., & Coleman-Jensen, A. (2017). Food
insecurity is associated with subjective well-being among individuals from 138 countries
in the 2014 Gallup World Poll. The Journal of nutrition, 147(4), 680-687.
Hay, P., Mitchison, D., Collado, A. E. L., González-Chica, D. A., Stocks, N., & Touyz, S.
(2017). Burden and health-related quality of life of eating disorders, including
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), in the Australian
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Gallegos, D., Ramsey, R., & Ong, K. (2013). Food insecurity: is it an issue among tertiary
students?. Higher Education, 67(5), 497-510.
Jones, A. D. (2017). Food insecurity and mental health status: a global analysis of 149
countries. American journal of preventive medicine, 53(2), 264-273.

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Lindberg, R., Lawrence, M., Gold, L., Friel, S., & Pegram, O. (2015). Food insecurity in
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Perez-Escamilla, R., Gubert, M. B., Rogers, B., & Hromi-Fiedler, A. (2017). Food security
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Rolfe, H., & Hudson-Sharp, N. (2016). The impact of free movement on the labour market:
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Sadegholvad, S., Yeatman, H., Parrish, A. M., & Worsley, A. (2017). Experts’ views
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