Problem Statement/Purpose:

Food insecurity is associated with poor health and academic outcomes in many populations. College students face unique financial challenges, including paying for tuition, housing, and other living expenses while attending school. It is important to understand how access to food may influence academic performance among college students.

Methods:

Two secondary research articles, three primary studies, and two non-scientific websites were analyzed to understand how food insecurity affects academic performance among college students. Additionally, a survey examined the food insecurity experiences of 15 college students.

Results:

Students who do not have consistent access to food reported feeling more tired, stressed, and distracted, which negatively affected their academic performance. The most common contributing factors were financial limitations, high food prices, and stigma surrounding food assistance. Food insecurity was associated with lower GPA, difficulty concentrating, stress, and exhaustion. Some students reported skipping meals or rationing food, which contributed to decreased academic performance. Among the students surveyed, many reported struggling to afford groceries, and Mel skipping was common.

Conclusion and Significance:

The relationship between food access and educational success suggests that food insecurity should be viewed as both a public health concern and an academic equity issue. Future efforts should focus on expanding awareness of campus food resources, reducing stigma, and improving access to affordable food options so students can succeed both inside and outside the classroom.