Shannon Que was a 2019 recipient of the Center for Public Justice’s Hatfield Prize. Que (Abilene Christian University ‘19) and faculty advisor Dr. Stephen Baldridge researched food insecurity among college students in their community of Abilene, Texas. Here she offers a short introduction to an excerpt of her report.
By Shannon Que
Often times research can feel detached from the primary issue in ways that can feel clinical or prescriptive. However, during my experience researching food insecurity on college campuses, this was far from true. Prior to conducting research, I was unaware of the pervasiveness of the issue occurring in a place I have come to call home. The more I worked on the report, the more personal the issue became to me.
I have realized that becoming more informed about the issue of food insecurity on college campuses and raising awareness of the issue does not need to be politically divisive. My experience of researching this issue and writing the report helped me more clearly understand what it means to be a citizen, an informed student, and a Christian.
An Excerpt from “An Invisible Crisis: Food Insecurity on College Campuses”
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While many college students are busy juggling the demands of their studies and extracurricular activities, thousands of students are also dealing with an often invisible struggle: food insecurity. Although the stereotype of a “starving college student” is pervasive and often made in jest, the issue of food insecurity among college students is very real.
Food insecurity affects students enrolled at all types of higher education institutions, from community colleges to four-year universities. Approximately one-quarter of students at four-year colleges are food-insecure. In 2016, approximately 56 percent of students at community colleges reported being food insecure. For the purposes of this report, a college student is defined as an individual enrolled in a two or four-year higher education institution, in pursuit of a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree.
Food security, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is “access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.” When food insecure, an individual cannot depend on consistent and reliable access to nutritious foods. The USDA cites four categories of food security: high food security, marginal food security, low food security, and very low food security. Low food security indicates “reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet”, while “disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake” are indicators of very low food security.
Although the terms hunger and food insecurity are often used interchangeably, it is worth noting their distinctions. Food insecurity is a social and economic condition that measures a lack of access to food, while hunger is a physiological condition that often occurs as a result of food insecurity.
In 2017, 11.8 percent of all U.S. households, or approximately 15 million people, experienced food insecurity. Households with incomes near or below the federal poverty line, households headed by single-parent women or single-parent men, women and men living alone, and Black and Hispanic-headed households have higher rates of food insecurity than the national average.
The demographic characteristics of college students have evolved over the last few decades, as more students who meet the criteria associated with food-insecure households are attending college. Today, nearly 75 percent of students are nontraditional, meaning that they meet at least one of the following criteria: attend college part-time, are financially independent, provide for dependents, are a single parent, or participate in a federal or state funded work-study program. By contrast, a traditional college student is “generally considered to be someone who is enrolled in college full-time immediately after graduating from high school, is financially dependent on his or her parents, and either does not work during the school year or works part time.”
This is important to note because nontraditional students are also more likely to come from low-income households. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office citing National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) data, “The percentage of all undergraduates who had a household income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line increased from 28 percent in 1996 to 39 percent in 2016.” During that period, the percentage of students who received Pell Grants increased as well. Pell Grants are federal grants aimed at assisting undergraduate students with significant financial needs. According to NPSAS data, nearly 40 percent of college students received a Pell Grant in 2016 compared to 23 percent in 1999.
Pell Grants and other forms of federal student aid have made college more accessible to nontraditional students. In 2017-2018, 32 percent of all undergraduate students were Pell Grant recipients. Historically Pell Grants were able to cover half of the cost of in-state tuition, fees, and room and board at a two-year college and 39 percent of similar fees at a four-year college. Today, due to rising tuition and associated costs, a Pell Grant only covers 37 percent of the same fees of a two-year college, and 19 percent of a four-year college. As a result, Pell Grant recipients are also more likely than non-recipients to have to take out student loans and incur student loan debt.
“Approximately one-quarter of students at four-year colleges are food-insecure.”
High tuition payments coupled with accumulating debt often makes it difficult for low-income students to meet basic needs. Research shows that low-income students, students of color, students with dependents, and first-generation students have an increased risk of experiencing food insecurity. When students are experiencing financial strain, food is often considered to be the most flexible expenditure. This results in eating inexpensive food of low nutritional value or skipping meals entirely. A student experiencing food insecurity often struggles to meet other basic needs, like housing.
While there are many reasons why a student may be food insecure, there are four primary risk factors associated with food insecurity among low-income students, as identified by the Government Accountability Office. Having a low income, being a first-generation student, receiving SNAP benefits, and being a single parent are all indicators that a student is or will likely experience food insecurity. Students at community colleges and vocational and technical schools are more likely to meet the risk factor criteria than students at four-year colleges.
The Impact of Food Insecurity on Students
Food insecurity does not just result in hunger. Instead, its consequences are detrimental to both the student and his or her opportunity later in life, as well as to broader society. For many students, attending college, perhaps as the first person in their family to do so, opens the door to opportunity for educational attainment, future employment, and robust social networks. Yet when students are experiencing financial strain from college tuition while attempting to secure basic necessities such as food, the likelihood of completing college decreases. This can have both immediate and generational impacts on a student’s ability to thrive and become upwardly mobile.
The more immediate effects of food insecurity are well documented. Perhaps most obvious, food-insecure students often have difficulty focusing in class and on assignments, which can lead to a lower GPA and in some instances can lead to students dropping out. Research has demonstrated that food insecurity also has negative social and psychological effects. For college students, food functions as an “invisible privilege that provide[s] entry into social interactions for those who could afford it.” An inability to participate in social engagements can lead to social isolation.
Nontraditional students also work while in school at a higher rate than traditional students in order to meet basic needs. In 2016, according to the Government Accountability Office’s report, 64 percent of college students worked part time and a quarter worked full-time. Of the population working, 19 percent have a child. Working part or full-time often prolongs a student’s start date and anticipated graduation date, and research shows that students who work more than 15 hours a week or postpone their anticipated graduation date by reducing college course loads per term are less likely to complete their degree.
For a food-insecure college student, the effects of an inadequate diet and persistent anxiety related to unreliable and inconsistent access to healthy food are not isolated to the time during which a student is enrolled. Instead, there are ripple effects for the student and society.
Food insecurity has long-term negative effects on physical and mental health. While it may not always be the main determinant of negative health, it consistently serves as the catalyst for triggering a host of chronic diseases and conditions. Those with low food security are also more likely to be in the highest percentile of obesity categories and are more likely to experience diabetes, hypertension, and lung diseases, especially among minority populations.
It is reported that “By 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school.” Therefore, the effects of an incomplete postsecondary education can be detrimental to the individual, their community, and the economy. A complete postsecondary education can enable graduates to enter a higher paying entry-level job, negotiate a better salary, and have a higher earning potential in any chosen field.
A study focusing on the connection between food insecurity and college student performance conducted by the University of Massachusetts Boston found that 25 percent of students dropped a class due to food insecurity. Dropping one or multiple classes can be a costly effect of food insecurity as students may be unable to afford to take the class again. This may delay a student’s anticipated graduation date and reflect poorly on their academic transcript, hindering employment opportunities. Additionally, any delays on a graduation date may result in a student being unable to pay for another semester of housing and related living expenses in addition to course fees. As noted earlier, delayed graduation or failure to graduate can limit a college student’s opportunities later in life.
It should be celebrated that more students of diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds are attending college at higher rates than ever before. While private and federal financial aid programs like the Pell Grant have made college more accessible, colleges, universities, and government must prioritize college completion – in other words, it’s critical that students not only get into college, but that they earn a degree. Food insecurity, paired with other barriers, significantly contributes to lower college completion rates. Low-income students are more likely to drop out of college due to limited financial resources, particularly expenses related to housing, transportation, and food. Without adequate supports in place for students experiencing food insecurity, it is likely that students will continue to struggle in class, have strained relationships, and experience negative physical and mental effects, all of which can contribute to a student’s decision to drop out.
The Role of the Social Safety Net
Our society has recognized the value of a college degree. Yet the playing field remains largely uneven as many first-generation, low-income students are attending college but facing a number of barriers limiting their ability to thrive in an educational setting. To ensure that all students have the opportunity and supports necessary to complete their degree, a strong and robust social safety net is needed.
The social safety net is comprised of both government programs as well as civil society institutions — higher education institutions, faith-based organizations, and houses of worship — that together are able to provide consistent, reliable, and holistic support during an individual or family’s time of need.
Key Recommendations
Government
Government has a responsibility to promote the wellbeing of its citizens through policies and practices that uphold the common good. Our country has rightly recognized that this responsibility includes a governmental response to domestic food insecurity. There are a variety of mechanisms through which the government currently addresses food insecurity, the largest of which is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
While the government can and should work to address the structural conditions that contribute to food insecurity, it must also respond to the reality of food insecurity in the here and now. According to the Center for Public Justice’s Guideline on Welfare, “It is legitimate and at times necessary for the government to provide financial assistance to persons and families unable to earn sufficient income on their own.”
A government program like SNAP is effective because it targets food insecurity in a consistent and reliable way. Whether in an urban or rural environment, qualified individuals and families can depend upon SNAP benefits during a time of need. At a federal, state, and local level, funding, personnel, and benefit allotments are reliable.
However, college students, a critical population experiencing food insecurity, are too often overlooked. It is important that government prioritizes the unique needs of today’s college students and tailors the SNAP program to be more effective in targeting food insecurity on college campuses.
Increasing awareness and expanding SNAP eligibility to meet the current demands of college students is imperative to supporting physical, mental, and economic health of the next generation.
College students and college administrators cite a lack of clarity regarding eligibility requirements. To respond, local SNAP offices should increase partnerships with colleges and universities. Partnerships between the two entities can increase student participation in SNAP, as college officials would be better equipped to refer students to SNAP and assist them in applying. Local SNAP agencies can increase awareness of student eligibility by holding trainings and seminars for administrative officials and providing clearly outlined resources directly to colleges. Local SNAP offices, in coordination with colleges and universities, can also designate a representative to spend time on campuses to meet with students and administrators to answer questions about eligibility and the application process. Such representatives would not necessarily need to be affiliated with a particular college or have a permanent office on a higher education campus. However, it would be beneficial for representatives to make themselves available on campuses as students who are experiencing food insecurity are likely experiencing other barriers such as a lack of transportation.
“It is important that government...tailors the SNAP program to be more effective in targeting food insecurity on college campuses.”
Expanding SNAP eligibility to include, for example, college enrollment in the accepted work eligibility requirements would allow for more students in need to participate in the program. Some have also proposed aligning financial aid eligibility with SNAP eligibility. Aligning federal financial aid and eligibility would address eligibility confusion amongst students and administration, as the government would assume greater responsibility in identifying student need. For example, when a student applies for financial aid, questions that indicate food insecurity and eligibility for SNAP would be incorporated in the process. This would flag the student as an eligible recipient for SNAP, rather than the student or administrative official needing to seek resources independently.
Clarifying and expanding college programs that qualify under SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) is another way that government can better address the basic needs of college students. SNAP E&T assists SNAP participants in gaining “skills, training, or work experience to increase their ability to obtain regular employment that leads to economic self-sufficiency.” Most, if not all college courses, especially those at technical or two-year higher education institutions, should qualify as SNAP E&T eligible programs. SNAP E&T services are offered by the states and state partners such as colleges and have the responsibility of selecting one or more of the USDA approved SNAP E&T activities. Two of the activities states are able to select include: “Educational Programs” and “Vocational Programs.” SNAP E&T indicates the federal government’s attempt to be cognizant of food insecurity on college campuses by providing a unique way for students to receive benefits. While this is an impactful step on a federal level, there is still more to be done. As almost 40 percent of students at technical colleges or two-year higher education institutions experience food insecurity, expansion of such qualifications can increase accessibility to SNAP for students in need and reduce food insecurity on college campuses.
Higher Education Institutions
Higher education institutions themselves are crucial actors in addressing food insecurity on college campuses. Faculty, staff, and administrators have the unique opportunity to interact with students on campus and can recognize the academic effects of food insecurity. Even so, faculty and staff can benefit from receiving formal training for identifying signs of food insecurity amongst their students. In addition to training, implementing official administrative services aimed at addressing food insecurity can contribute to positive systemic change. Such services may include a screening system to identify students who may be at an increased risk of experiencing food insecurity and best practices resources for faculty and staff that become aware of a student experiencing food insecurity. Systemic methods of addressing food insecurity would also decrease individual staff and faculty members’ responsibility for caring for student needs and increase the administrations’ responsibility. Placing responsibility on the administration can lead to greater uniformity when addressing the needs of students and increases the resources needed to assist students on a campus-wide basis. Increasing awareness of food insecurity and SNAP eligibility is also beneficial in combating negative stigmas regarding the social safety net, as students would need to self-identify less frequently as food insecure while simultaneously working toward normalizing the topic of conversation in classrooms and on campus.
Some colleges and universities have responded to food insecurity with on-campus food pantries. At on-campus food pantries, students select the food they need at no cost. According to the College and University Food Bank Alliance (CUFBA), in 2012, only 15 higher education institutions were registered as having a food bank or pantry. In 2018, 650 member institutions reported having an on-campus food pantry. On-campus pantries are often operated by volunteers or a small staff, and while their services are vital and they address immediate needs, they do not offer a long-term solution to food insecurity.
As food insecurity becomes more prevalent on college campuses, some higher education institutions have sought to work in collaboration with local SNAP offices. To combat the negative stigmas that surround receiving SNAP benefits, it is necessary that eligibility requirements are clear. Portland State University, for example, has a webpage that outlines the eligibility requirements of SNAP for students and recognizes that the additional costs of being a college student can make eating regularly difficult. In addition to standard facts about SNAP like how and where to apply and how to use EBT cards, the university also addresses the social stigma. The webpage states that “SNAP is not a charity,” and that “SNAP is designed to help people stay healthy during difficult times.”
In addition to initiatives that assist students in applying for SNAP benefits, college campuses can also directly interact with SNAP on campus. At Oregon State University, the campus grocery store accepts EBT cards. Accepting SNAP benefits on college campuses is more sustainable than on-campus food pantries as maintaining funding and a consistent volunteer base are not concerns. For retailers to accept EBT, owners must create a USDA account and apply with required documents. Owners must maintain store eligibility by meeting two criteria. Criterion A requires that the store provide staple foods such as vegetables, fruit, dairy, meat, bread, and cereal. Criterion B requires that stores successfully sell those staple foods and that at least half of all total gross retail sales be from staple foods.
While the requirements for adhering to USDA standards for retailers accepting SNAP may be a barrier for some colleges, the benefits are numerous. Ensuring that all students, not just those experiencing food insecurity, have fresh and nutritious food accessible to them should be a priority of all colleges.
A Community Response to Food Insecurity on Campus
Businesses, nonprofits and faith-based organizations, and churches can design specific ways to address food insecurity within a community.
The USDA’s Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Grant (FINI) seeks to support programs that encourage the purchase of nutritious food. FINI is a joint project between FNS and USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture that specifically provides funding for initiatives that promote the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income individuals and households. FINI supports three tiers of projects: one-year pilot projects, multi-year community-based projects, and multi-year large-scale projects. In addition to incentivizing innovative solutions for making healthy options more accessible, FINI also boosts local economies by localizing solutions and partnering with businesses.
In Brookline, Massachusetts, the Brookline farmer’s market accepts EBT cards and has implemented a SNAP EBT match program. The match program allows shoppers who participate in SNAP to qualify for a dollar-for-dollar match while shopping for produce for up to $20. The farmer’s market is situated within two miles of 13 higher education institutions, including a community college, and is accessible to students. Unfortunately, students are unable to access fresh produce from the Brookline farmer’s market year-round as it is only open from June to November.
“ The coordination of government and civil society institutions is essential for effectively addressing food insecurity. ”
Swipe Out Hunger (SOH) is one example of an innovative nonprofit organization addressing campus food insecurity. What began as a college project in 2010 amongst friends has grown into a nationwide initiative. Through SOH, students can donate leftover meal swipes to their on-campus dining service, which are pooled and distributed to students experiencing food insecurity.
In 2018, SOH released their first impact report, comprised of 800 respondents from both private and public university students. The report found that 64 percent of students reported being able to stay in school partly due to an increase in access to food. SOH also encourages participation in SNAP. SOH offers training for student advocates and campus administrators to develop SNAP outreach and student enrollment. SOH is a promising example of how nonprofits can complement the work of government to address food insecurity.
The call to feed the hungry and the importance of meals is emphasized throughout Scripture. Historically the Church has been a central actor in feeding the hungry, and it should continue to work to address food insecurity in the community.
Churches often host free weekly meals in an effort to engage the college student population, especially those within their congregation. Some churches recognize the need for food among college students and utilize the time to address the needs of college students as well as fellowship with them.
Acknowledging that a weekly meal is only one manner of addressing food insecurity, some churches operate food pantries. These food pantries can assist individuals more consistently than a once-a-week meal. Churches can also collaborate with other churches or faith-based organizations to address the needs of the community. While some churches may collaborate to support a community food pantry, this is not a long-term solution. Therefore, churches can provide training for staff and ministry teams, particularly those that work with students, regarding the signs of food insecurity and how to connect students with available resources. As is common with other sectors of civil society, education for staff regarding signs of food insecurity and information about local SNAP resources would be beneficial.
Helping college students meet the basic need for food is a task that no one sector can do alone. The coordination of government and civil society institutions is essential for effectively addressing food insecurity. Furthermore, the intersection of such sectors, particularly between higher education institutions and government, is one that should continue to be explored. Supporting the basic needs of students has benefits that extend beyond the classroom and contributes to the flourishing of individuals and society.
Read the rest of “An Invisible Crisis: Food insecurity on College Campuses, which includes a case study of Abilene, Texas.
Shannon Que graduated from Abilene Christian University (ACU) in 2019 with a degree in social work and minors in Bible, missions, and ministry, global studies, and public administration. She completed her research for The Hatfield Prize during her senior year, and is now pursuing a Master’s of Social Work at Abilene Christian University. As an undergraduate, Que served as the president of ACU’s Social Work Student Association, was a Jack Pope Fellow, and was a member of the Student Panel of Undergraduate Research.
address food insecurity in your community
Inspired by what you’ve read? Consider starting a Political Discipleship group to address food insecurity in your community. The Center for Public Justice’s Political Discipleship is a praxis-based curriculum designed to equip small groups to practice civic engagement and empower them with skills and tools to shape policy and address inequality and injustice in their communities. To learn more about starting a group, visit our website or contact katie.thompson@cpjustice.org.
The Hatfield Prize is made possible through the generosity of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. We thank them for their support, but acknowledge that the findings and conclusions presented in these reports are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of these foundations.