Food Insecurity Among Students Attending a University in Auckland, New Zealand: Prevalence, Determinants, and Coping Strategies

Despite growing recognition of the existence of food insecurity among university students, no data exists for New Zealand. We explored the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity among students at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and examined coping strategies used to counter food insecurity. An online cross‐sectional survey was conducted, including the 10‐item US Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module. Data were collected on student sociodemographic and academic characteristics, barriers, coping strategies, and relief initiatives used. Outcomes were compared by food security status using Chi‐square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Among 347 students (mean age 22.1 ± SD 4.7 years, 78% female), 45% experienced food insecurity. Living away from the family home and financial insecurity were significant predictors. Cost of food and limited time were identified as major barriers to food security, and students commonly coped by purchasing cheap food and saving food for later. Many students expressed interest in receiving information on cooking and budgeting, though awareness and use of current food relief initiatives were low. Our results suggest a high prevalence of food insecurity among New Zealand university students. Identifying at‐risk students and understanding barriers and coping mechanisms could inform the development of initiatives to address food insecurity.