Research trends and gaps concerning food insecurity in college students in the United States: a scoping review (2024)
Objective: This scoping review explores the broad body of peer-reviewed research measuring food
insecurity in post-secondary students in the U.S. to identify trends and gaps to inform future
research.
Methods: Three search engines (PubMed, Web of Science, and CINHAL Full Text) were systematically
searched for articles reporting on food security status in U.S. college students.
Results: One-hundred and sixty studies met inclusion criteria. Emerging high-risk student
characteristics include gender non-conforming (GNC) and non-binary, financial independence in
college, and pregnant and parenting students. Emerging correlates include lack of transportation,
anxiety, and eating disorders.
Conclusions: Prevalence data can be used by colleges to advocate for services and programs.
Additional multi-institutional cohort, longitudinal and qualitative studies are needed to identify
timely interventions and effective solutions. A new “rights-based” approach to food security solutions
that includes nutrition and food literacy for all students is needed.