I: Student Hunger Remains Widespread
Food insecurity continues to affect a substantial share of college students nationwide. Both the Hope and Trellis surveys revealed that food insecurity is common and is not limited to any particular institution type or student group.
More than 40% of two-year students reported being food insecure (low or very low food security) in the 30 days prior to taking the survey.
More than 30% of four-year students reported being food insecure (low or very low food security) in the 30 days prior to taking the survey.
Food insecurity is common across student populations, but rates are even higher among groups that are historically underserved in higher education (Black students, Hispanic or Latine students, parenting students, LGBTQIA+ students).
Black students were more likely to experience food insecurity than their White peers.
Note: The bar graph above displays data from Trellis' Student Financial Wellness Survey. The graphics below display data from The Hope Center's Student Basic Needs Survey. Patterns of results are consistent across the two surveys.Almost half of students (44%) in Hope’s sample reported that they could not afford to eat balanced meals, and 30% reported that they had cut the size of their meals or skipped meals. Among parenting students, food insecurity challenges affect their children as well: 1 in 4 parenting students (23%) reported that they could not afford to give their children balanced meals, and 1 in 12 (8%) reported that they had to cut the size of their children’s meals or have their children skip meals.
Food insecurity is common across student populations, but rates are even higher among groups that are historically underserved in higher education (Black students, Hispanic or Latine students, parenting students, LGBTQIA+ students).
The graphics below display data from The Hope Center's Student Basic Needs Survey. Patterns of results are consistent across the two surveys.
Almost half of students (44%) in Hope’s sample reported that they could not afford to eat balanced meals, and 30% reported that they had cut the size of their meals or skipped meals. Among parenting students, food insecurity challenges affect their children as well: 1 in 4 parenting students (23%) reported that they could not afford to give their children balanced meals, and 1 in 12 (8%) reported that they had to cut the size of their children’s meals or have their children skip meals.
34% of non-parenting students experienced food insecurity.
53% of parenting students experienced food insecurity.
43% of LGBTQIA+ students experienced food insecurity.
34% of non-LGBTQ+ students experienced food insecurity.
53% of parenting students experienced food insecurity.
43% of LGBTQIA+ students experienced food insecurity.