Food Insecurity in the US: An International Student Perspective

Background Food insecurity prevalence among international college students has ranged from 5-37%. Most research to date in this population has been quantitative, with limited focus on international students’ unique experiences and challenges outside of a single university. Objective To qualitatively examine international college students’ experiences related to personal, environmental, and behavioral factors associated with food insecurity. Study Design, Settings, Participants Trained researchers conducted qualitative interviews with international students (n=27) at three universities in the western U.S. Interviews were audio recorded and averaged 58 minutes in length. Students completed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Six-item Short Form Food Security Survey Module and demographic questions. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Researchers used a content analysis approach. Two researchers independently coded transcripts and met to discuss and reconcile any differences. Data were aggregated by code and food security classification. Researchers independently reviewed the data again and collectively determined overarching themes. Results Sixteen (59.3%) participants were food secure, and 11 (40.7%) were food insecure. Compared to two food secure students, many food insecure students reported finances and a different food environment from their home country as barriers to obtaining food. Food secure and food insecure students mentioned not owning a car as another barrier, with cultural aspects cited as a reason for not wanting to ask for rides from others. Most food insecure students were unaware of U.S. food assistance programs, whereas most food secure students were familiar with them. Students suggested campus initiatives to increase awareness about available resources and that cooking and budgeting classes could help students integrate into the U.S. food culture. Conclusion This study provides an in-depth perspective on food insecurity among international college students in the US. Better understanding these experiences can provide researchers with insights into how to address food insecurity in this unique student population. Funding Brigham Young University; Oregon State University Food insecurity prevalence among international college students has ranged from 5-37%. Most research to date in this population has been quantitative, with limited focus on international students’ unique experiences and challenges outside of a single university. To qualitatively examine international college students’ experiences related to personal, environmental, and behavioral factors associated with food insecurity. Trained researchers conducted qualitative interviews with international students (n=27) at three universities in the western U.S. Interviews were audio recorded and averaged 58 minutes in length. Students completed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Six-item Short Form Food Security Survey Module and demographic questions. Researchers used a content analysis approach. Two researchers independently coded transcripts and met to discuss and reconcile any differences. Data were aggregated by code and food security classification. Researchers independently reviewed the data again and collectively determined overarching themes. Sixteen (59.3%) participants were food secure, and 11 (40.7%) were food insecure. Compared to two food secure students, many food insecure students reported finances and a different food environment from their home country as barriers to obtaining food. Food secure and food insecure students mentioned not owning a car as another barrier, with cultural aspects cited as a reason for not wanting to ask for rides from others. Most food insecure students were unaware of U.S. food assistance programs, whereas most food secure students were familiar with them. Students suggested campus initiatives to increase awareness about available resources and that cooking and budgeting classes could help students integrate into the U.S. food culture. This study provides an in-depth perspective on food insecurity among international college students in the US. Better understanding these experiences can provide researchers with insights into how to address food insecurity in this unique student population.