The Invisible Epidemic. College Food Insecurity: Implications for Student Success and Belonging

This dissertation explored the pervasive issue of food insecurity among college students, emphasizing its implications for academic success, social engagement, and sense of belonging. The study investigated the prevalence, contributing factors, and impacts of food insecurity, drawing on qualitative data collected from oral interviews with undergraduate students on the main campus at a midsize, private Catholic college in the Northeast. Guided by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Tinto’s Model of Student Retention, the research highlighted how unmet basic needs hinder students’ ability to thrive academically and socially.Key findings revealed that food insecurity is linked to academic challenges, such as lower grades and reduced class participation, as well as social isolation due to financial constraints and stigma. Students strongly desired increased access to affordable, nutritious food options, and institutional support, including meal swipe donations and campus pantries. The study underscored the critical need for higher education institutions to address food insecurity through comprehensive policies and programs that support students’ basic needs, fostering a more equitable and inclusive learning environment.By amplifying student voices, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on food insecurity in higher education and offers actionable recommendations for addressing this invisible epidemic. The findings advocate for a holistic approach to student support, integrating academic, social, and basic needs interventions to ensure student success and well-being.