Prevalence of food insecurity among students attending four Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> This study examined the prevalence of food insecurity (FI) among students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the Southeastern United States. <b>Participants:</b> Students attending four HBCUs (<i>N</i> = 351) completed an anonymous Web-based survey. <b>Methods:</b> Food insecurity was assessed using the 2-item Hunger Vital Sign Tool. Summary statistics were used to quantify FI experiences. Logistic regression was conducted to determine if student demographic characteristics were significantly associated with FI outcomes. <b>Results:</b> Nearly 3 in 4 students (72.9%) reported some level of FI in the past year. Students representing all levels of postsecondary education reported FI. Meal plan participation did not prevent FI. <b>Conclusions:</b> Students attending HBCUs experience FI at levels that exceed estimates reported among students attending predominantly White institutions. More work is needed to understand the lived experience of food-insecure HBCU students as a means to ensure institution-level food policies support student academic success and wellbeing.