Food insecurity is often one symptom of broader instability. 

Students experiencing food insecurity often face multiple, interconnected challenges that can compound one another and increase the risk of academic disruption. Data from both Trellis and Hope show that students who experienced food insecurity are more likely to experience other forms of basic needs insecurity, including housing insecurity, homelessness, and mental health challenges compared to their food secure peers. 

Food insecure students in the Hope survey also had higher rates of technology access challenges and transportation challenges, and Trellis data demonstrate a correlation between food insecurity and missing classes due to lack of transportation or conflicts with their jobs.

Compared to their food secure peers, both Hope and Trellis data show that food-insecure students are more likely to also experience challenges accessing other basic needs. According to data from the Trellis Student Financial Wellness Survey: