Experiences of Hunger and Food Insecurity in College

“A poignant portrayal of what it means to be a college student today, this thoughtful and timely book illuminates the lived experiences of students who are struggling to get enough to eat and how they cope with this reality. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand today’s college students and how we can better support them in their educational goals.”

—Katharine M. Broton, Assistant Professor of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, University of Iowa, USA, and co-editor (with Clare L. Cady) of Food Insecurity on Campus: Action and Intervention (2020)

This volume explores the experience of hunger and food insecurity among college students at a large, public university in north Texas. Ninety-two clients of the campus food pantry volunteered to share their experiences through qualitative interviews, allowing the author to develop seven profiles of food insecurity, while at once exploring the impact of childhood food insecurity and various coping strategies. Students highlighted the issues of stigma and shame; the unwillingness to discuss food insecurity with their peers; the physical consequences of hunger and poor nutrition; the associations between mental health and nutrition; the academic sacrifices and motivations to finish their degree in the light of food insecurity; and the potential for raising awareness on campus through university engagement. Henry concludes the book with a discussion of solutions—existing solutions to alleviate food insecurity, student-led suggestions for additional resources, solutions in place at other universities that serve as potential models for similar campuses—and efforts to change federal policy.