Integrated Nutrition and Culinary Education in Response to Food Insecurity in a Public University

Food insecurity is an emerging issue for college students. A nutrition course with an integrated teaching kitchen was developed to address this issue at a large public university. We aimed to determine changes in food insecurity and stress among students who took the course. The course consisted of weekly lectures followed by teaching kitchen lab sessions to teach basic nutrition and culinary concepts and expose students to hands-on skill development cooking experiences. Using a pre-post design, enrolled students completed an anonymous online survey at the beginning and the end of the semester. Food security was assessed with the USDA Six-Item Food Security Module; stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Pre- and post-data were linked for 171 participants. Paired data statistical analysis comparing the post- vs. the pre-test showed an increase in food security and a decrease in very low security rates (from 48% to 70%, and from 23% to 6%, respectively; p < 0.0001), and a decrease on the average PSS score, indicating lower stress (from (Mean ± SD) 19.7 ± 5.9 to 18.1 ± 6.0; p = 0.0001). A nutrition and culinary course may be an effective response to food insecurity and could potentially improve students’ wellbeing.

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Characteristics associated with changes in food security status among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Translational Behavioral Medicine ◽

10.1093/tbm/ibaa110 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jessica Soldavini ◽

Hazael Andrew ◽

Maureen Berner

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Security Status ◽

The Usa ◽

Security Module ◽

Adult Food

Abstract The prevalence of food insecurity in the USA has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, past studies have not examined how the food security status of college students has been impacted. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the prevalence of food insecurity; determine the proportion of students experiencing a change in food security status; and identify characteristics associated with changes in food security status from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of college students. We administered a cross-sectional online survey to students from a large public university in the Southeastern USA. The 10-item U.S. Adult Food Security Module was used to assess food security status during the spring 2020 semester both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and students self-reported a variety of individual characteristics. The overall prevalence of food insecurity increased by approximately one-third during the spring 2020 semester from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. When examining the types of changes in food security status experienced by students, 12% improved, 68% stayed the same, and 20% worsened. A variety of characteristics were associated with an improvement or worsening of food security status category from before to during the pandemic. Similar to what is seen in other reports, we found that the overall proportion of college students in our sample experiencing food insecurity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, some students showed improvements in food security status. Approaches for addressing food insecurity during and beyond the pandemic are needed.

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Assessing food insecurity prevalence and associated factors among college students enrolled in a university in the Southeast USA

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980018003531 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 383-390 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Ruth Wooten ◽

Marsha Spence ◽

Sarah Colby ◽

Elizabeth Anderson Steeves

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Graduate Students ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Public University ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

University System ◽

Grade Point ◽

Southeast Usa ◽

Final Sample

AbstractObjectiveTo assess rates of food insecurity (FI) among college students enrolled at a large public university system across one US state and identify factors associated with experiencing FI.DesignCross-sectional online survey administered to eligible, enrolled students (n 38 614) across three campuses within the university system, with 5593 students responding (4824 final sample after applying exclusion criteria, 12·5 % response rate). FI was assessed using the US Department of Agriculture’s Adult Food Security Survey Module. Descriptive statistics were conducted to calculate FI status and identify sample characteristics. Associations between FI status and independent variables were assessed using bivariate analyses (χ2 and ANOVA tests) and multivariate logistic regression.SettingLarge public university system, Southeast USA.ParticipantsEnrolled college students (excluding freshman, <18 years of age).ResultsThirty-six per cent of students were classified as FI. After controlling for confounders, factors that were significantly associated with increased likelihood of FI included previous FI (P<0·001; OR=4·78), financial factors and self-reported grade point average ≤3·85. Seniors were significantly more likely experience FI than graduate students (P=0·004, OR=1·41). A significant relationship was not identified between FI and meal plan participation, and no differences in FI were found between graduate students and individuals with sophomore or junior standing.ConclusionsThis research identifies high rates of FI among college students enrolled in a large public university system in the Southeast USA, as well as selected factors related to FI. Programmes to assist college students experiencing FI need to be developed and tested.

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Changes in Eating Behaviors During COVID-19 and Association With Food Insecurity: Results From a Nation-Wide Online Survey

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab029_003 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 202-202

Author(s):

Shahmir Ali ◽

Niyati Parekh ◽

Ariadna Capasso ◽

Yesim Tozan ◽

Abbey Jones ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Eating Behaviors ◽

Communicable Disease ◽

Nationwide Survey ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Security Risk ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed both a health and economic crisis in the US, with growing concerns on how eating behaviors and food security (risk factors of non-communicable disease) have changed. This study examines changes in food insecurity and eating behaviors during the early months of the pandemic among US adults. Methods A nationwide survey of US adults was conducted in April 2020 through social-media advertisement-based recruitment to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food insecurity was measured using a six-item validated USDA Household Food Security instrument. Eating behaviors were assessed by asking participants how their eating has changed since the pandemic (“Much More” to “Much Less”). Sociodemographic differences in food behaviors were assessed with chi-square tests, and an adjusted logistic regression model evaluated the association between food insecurity and eating behaviors. Results Overall, 5256 participants had data on eating behaviors; 58.6% were female, 43.8% aged 40–59 years old, and 56.4% were employed. Eating remained unchanged for most participants (52.7%), while 34.6% noted eating more, and 12.7% noted eating less since the pandemic. 85.3% of participants displayed high/marginal food insecurity, while 14.7% displayed low/very-low food security. Compared to those eating more during the pandemic, those eating less were more likely to be younger (24.7% vs. 17.4% aged 18–39), male (42.0% vs. 33.4%), not working, or unemployed (17.1% vs. 13.7%), and make <$30,000 a year (20.7% vs. 12.6%). When adjusting for socio-demographic variables, compared to those whose eating behavior did not change, the adjusted odds of low/very-low food insecurity was higher among both those who were eating less (AOR:6.44, 95%CI:4.96–8.37) and eating more (AOR:1.67, 95%CI:1.33–2.09). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed significant food insecurity, with food insecurity being associated with bidirectional changes in food consumption. Public health professionals must critically examine the various contributors of eating behaviors during the pandemic and their link with food insecurity to develop targeted interventions. Funding Sources N/A

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Food Insecurity: Is It a Threat to University Students’ Well-Being and Success?

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115627 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5627

Author(s):

Nor Syaza Sofiah Ahmad ◽

Norhasmah Sulaiman ◽

Mohamad Fazli Sabri

Keyword(s):

Academic Performance ◽

Food Security ◽

University Students ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Psychosocial Factors ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Well Being ◽

Food Security Status

Food insecurity is a growing concern among university students. The high prevalence of food insecurity is a threat to students’ health and success. Therefore, this study aims to determine an association between food security status, psychosocial factors, and academic performance among university students. A total of 663 undergraduate students in seven randomly selected faculties in Universiti Putra Malaysia participated in this study. An online survey was conducted to obtain demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, food security status (six-item USDA; food security survey module, FSSM), psychosocial factors (depression, anxiety and stress scale, DASS-21) and academic performance. Among the abovementioned participating students, 32.4% are male. About 62.8% reported to have experienced food insecurity. Binary logistic regression revealed that students whose fathers were working (AOR = 6.446, 95% CI: 1.22, 34.01) came from low- (AOR = 14.314, 95% CI: 1.565, 130.954) and middle-income groups (AOR = 15.687, 95% CI: 1.720, 143.092), and those receiving financial aid (AOR = 2.811, 95% CI: 1.602, 4.932) were associated with food insecurity. Additionally, food insecurity students were less-likely reported, with CGPA ≥ 3.7 (AOR = 0.363, 95% CI: 1.22–34.014). Food insecurity respondents had higher odds for stress (AOR = 1.562, 95% CI: 1.111, 2.192), anxiety (AOR = 3.046, 95% CI: 2.090, 4.441), and depression (AOR = 2.935, 95% CI: 2.074, 4.151). The higher institutions should identify students with food insecurity problems and future intervention programs need to be conducted to combat food insecurity among students, thus yielding benefits to their health and success.

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Food insecurity among households with children during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a study among social media users across the United States

Nutrition Journal ◽

10.1186/s12937-021-00732-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Niyati Parekh ◽

Shahmir H. Ali ◽

Joyce O’Connor ◽

Yesim Tozan ◽

Abbey M. Jones ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Social Media ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Low Income ◽

Online Survey ◽

The United States ◽

Household Food Security ◽

United States Department ◽

Households With Children

Abstract Background In the United States, approximately 11% of households were food insecure prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aims to describe the prevalence of food insecurity among adults and households with children living in the United States during the pandemic. Methods This study utilized social media as a recruitment platform to administer an original online survey on demographics and COVID-related food insecurity. The survey was disseminated through an advertisement campaign on Facebook and affiliated platforms. Food insecurity was assessed with a validated six-item United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Household Food Security Survey Module, which was used to create a six-point numerical food security score, where a higher score indicates lower food security. Individual-level participant demographic information was also collected. Logistic regressions (low/very-low compared with high/marginal food security) were performed to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95%CIs for food insecurity and select demographic characteristics. Results Advertisements reached 250,701 individuals and resulted in 5,606 complete surveys. Overall, 14.7% of participants self-identified as having low or very low food security in their households, with higher prevalence (17.5%) among households with children. Unemployment (AOR:1.76, 95%CI:1.09–2.80), high school or lower education (AOR:2.25, 95%CI:1.29–3.90), and low income (AOR[$30,000-$50,000]:5.87, 95%CI:3.35–10.37; AOR[< $30,000]:10.61, 95%CI:5.50–20.80) were associated with higher odds of food insecurity in multivariable models among households with children (and the whole sample). Conclusions These data indicate exacerbation of food insecurity during the pandemic. The study will be instrumental in guiding additional research and time-sensitive interventions targeted towards vulnerable food insecure subgroups.

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SEGURIDAD ALIMENTARIA EN LOS HOGARES DESDE LA PERSPECTIVA DE UNA POBLACIÓN UNIVERSITARIA

e-CUCBA ◽

10.32870/e-cucba.v0i15.185 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (8) ◽

pp. 65-71

Author(s):

Delia Guillermina González-Aguilar ◽

◽

Zoila Gómez-Cruz ◽

Patricia Landeros-Ramírez ◽

Kenya Regina Morales-Ángel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Latin American ◽

Online Survey ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

University Center ◽

The World ◽

The University ◽

Latin American And Caribbean

Food insecurity is a public health problem throughout the world, since a growing number of households present this situation of vulnerability. The objective of this study was to carry out a diagnosis of the situation regarding food security in The homes of the students of the University Center for Biological and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Guadalajara, in Mexico. An online survey was applied to 225 undergraduate students through a platform based on the Latin American and Caribbean Scale of Food Security. 52% of the households present some level of food insecurity, of which 76 present mild insecurity (33.77%), 30 moderate insecurity (13.33%) and 11 severe insecurity (4.88%). The largest number of “yes” answers (85) was for the question “Have you ever worried that food would run out at home?”. The data presented suggest a worrying reality regarding food security in the families of the University Center students, five out of 10 students live in families with food insecurity, that is, the students are suffering from hunger and malnutrition and are concerned about it.

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Food Handling Concerns and Practices at-Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic by Food Security Status

Journal of Food Protection ◽

10.4315/jfp-21-216 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Annie Lin ◽

Frank A Granata IV ◽

Abbey K Trippel ◽

Leslie Tello ◽

Tammy K Stump ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Online Survey ◽

Food Handling ◽

Cleaning Agents ◽

Food Security Status ◽

Handling Practices ◽

Safe Food ◽

Food Handling Practices

There is limited examination about COVID-19-related food handling concerns and practices that cause chemical or microbial contamination and illness, particularly among those with food insecurity. We investigated consumer food handling concerns and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether they differed by food insecurity status. An online survey was distributed among Chicago, Illinois residents between July 15-August 21, 2020 (N=437). Independent t-tests and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to identify differences in food handling concerns and practices between those with and without food insecurity (alpha=0.05). Survey items included questions about food handling practices that were considered safe or neutral (i.e., washing hands and produce with water, sanitizing food packaging) and unsafe (i.e., using cleaning agents to wash foods, leaving perishable foods outside) using 5-point Likert-style scales or categorical responses (i.e., yes, no). Participant responses fell between “slightly” and “somewhat” concerned about contracting COVID-19 from food and food packaging (mean ± SE: 2.7±0.1). While participants reported washing their hands before eating and preparing foods at least “most of the time” (mean ± SE: 4.4 ± 0.0 and 4.5 ± 0.0, respectively), only one-third engaged in unsafe practices. The majority of participants (68%) indicated that they altered food handling practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic and received information about food safety from social media (61%). When investigating differences in concerns and practices by food insecurity status, food insecure participants were more concerned about COVID-19 foodborne transmission for all food items (ps<0.0001) and more frequently performed unsafe based food handling practices than those with food security (ps<0.0001). Results from this study suggest more investigation is needed to understand barriers to safe food handling knowledge and practices, particularly among those with food insecurity.

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Financial problems associated with food insecurity among public university students in Peninsular Malaysia

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition ◽

10.31246/mjn-2020-0032 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 411-423

Author(s):

Nurulhudha Mohd Jamil ◽

◽

Norhasmah Sulaiman ◽

Siti Nur’Asyura Adznam ◽

Shamsul Azahari Zainal Badari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

University Students ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Public Universities ◽

Eating Behaviour ◽

Public University ◽

Peninsular Malaysia ◽

Financial Problem ◽

Financial Problems ◽

Food Security Status

Introduction: Food is a necessity for students. Yet, students’ food expenditure is anticipated to be restrained by their financial status. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of food insecurity and its determinants among university students attending public universities in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: Multistage random sampling was used to select respondents from public universities in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 427 undergraduate students completed a selfadministered questionnaire at four randomly selected universities (Universiti Utara Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Pahang and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia). The questionnaire consisted of information concerning demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, food security status, eating behaviour, financial literacy, and financial problem among university students. Frequency, chi-square, and logistic regression were used to analyse the variables. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 21.6 years, and 60.9% were found to be food insecure. Gender (χ2=5.415), origin (χ2=3.871), number of siblings (χ2=4.521), financial problem (χ2=42.364), and regular breakfast intake (χ2=5.654) were associated with food security status (p<0.05). Male respondents had 1.5 times (AOR=1.547, 95% CI: 1.006-2.380) the risk of having low food security status. Those with higher financial problems (AOR=3.575, 95% CI: 2.332-5.481) were 3.5 times more likely to be food insecure. Conclusion: The prevalence of food insecurity among public university students in Peninsular Malaysia was significantly high. Thus, intervention studies should focus on students with financial problems. Moreover, establishing a better system for an on campus food pantry or food bank is needed to counter the high prevalence of food insecurity among university students.

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Does Students’ Home Zip Code Relate to Food Insecurity on Campus? Implications of Home Demographics on Food Insecurity in College

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab035_086 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 178-178

Author(s):

Abigail Sarna ◽

Jesse Stabile Morrell

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Census Data ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Security Status ◽

Security Index ◽

Zip Code

Abstract Objectives To explore the relationship between students’ home zip code demographics and their food security status at a midsized, northeastern university. Methods Data were collected between 2018–2020 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing, cross sectional study at a midsized, public, northeastern university. As part of an online survey (Qualtrics) offered during the 3rd or 4th week of the semester, students completed the 6-item USDA Food Insecurity Questionnaire and provided the zip code associated with their primary residence prior to attending college. Students’ self-reported answers were used to categorize current food security status: food secure, low food secure, or very low food secure. A food security index was created from 13 unique sets of US Census data associated with zip codes. Each zip code was scored by sextiles for each census demographic and summed; final index values were assigned to each reported zip code and ranged from high to low risk of food insecurity (13–78). Results After exclusion of missing data, 687 students were included in the final analysis. The sample of predominantly female (62.0%), white (93.1%), first year (47.7%), and reported a zip code from the home state of the institution (39.9%). The mean food security index (±SD) of reported zip codes was 45.3 ± 8.9. In all, 18.8% reported food insecurity, (5.5% very low food security and 13.2% low food security), and 81.2% reported food security or marginal food security. Food insecurity was highest (21.8%) in students from zip codes most at risk for food insecurity based on the index, however, not significantly different from students from zip codes with the most food secure index score (18.8%). Conclusions Food insecurity among college students has been previously linked to poorer health, grades, and academic retention. More work is needed to elucidate the role of students’ prior place of residence to identify those at greatest risk of experiencing food insecurity on campus. Funding Sources The New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station and USDA National Institute of Food and Agricultural Hatch Project 1010738.

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Food Insecurity Associated with Screening Positive for a Possible Eating Disorder Among Students Attending a Large, Public University in the Midwest (P04-035-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz051.p04-035-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mikayla Barry ◽

Kendrin Sonneville ◽

Cindy Leung

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Eating Disorder ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Family Income ◽

Positive Screen ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Food Security Status ◽

The University

Abstract Objectives Food insecurity is a critical concern for college students. Food insecurity is associated with stress, irregular eating patterns, weight change, and depression, making it a plausible risk factor for disordered eating in college students, who are already at high risk of eating disorders. We explored the relation between food insecurity and screening positive for a possible eating disorder among students attending a large, public Midwestern university. Methods Data were collected cross-sectionally via an online survey during the Winter 2018 semester. The analytic sample totaled 762 after excluding students with missing data for exposure or outcome. The 10-item U.S. Adult Food Security Survey Module was used to measure food security status, which was classified into four categories: food security, marginal food security, low food security, and very low food security. Participants were screened for the presence of a possible eating disorder using the 5-item SCOFF questionnaire, with a positive screen defined as ≥2 affirmative answers. We used Poisson regression to model the prevalence of SCOFF positive screens and item-level affirmative responses by food security categories, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, family income, and first-generation status. Results A higher prevalence of positive SCOFF screens was observed among students with marginal food security (PR 1.76, 95% CI 1.67, 1.86), low food security (PR 1.62, 95% CI 1.53, 1.72), and very low food security (PR 2.79, 95% CI 2.65, 2.94), after adjusting for demographic characteristics. Food insecurity was also positively related to prevalence of affirmative responses for four SCOFF items. Conclusions This study shows that college students with food insecurity are more likely to screen positive for a possible eating disorder compared to food secure students. More research is needed to understand the complicated relationship between these two food-related constructs among college students. Funding Sources This study was supported by a grant from Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan. One co-author was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

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