Food Insecurity and Student Absence in the US and Across the Globe

Student absenteeism has increased in the U.S. and globally, while food insecurity remains a widespread challenge. This study examines the relationship between food insecurity and student absence using ecological systems theory and multilevel zero-inflated Poisson regression on data from approximately half a million students in 65 countries from the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Findings reveal a strong association between food insecurity and absenteeism, with the most food-insecure students missing school at significantly higher rates. In the U.S., a one-unit increase in food insecurity is linked to an 8% increase in absences, a consistent pattern internationally. While causality cannot be determined, results highlight food insecurity as a possible barrier to attendance and a broader indicator of economic hardship. Addressing food insecurity within and beyond school settings may mitigate absenteeism, particularly in nations with high levels of both challenges, such as the U.S.