Food insecurity among college students at a historically Black University in the Gulf Coast region of Texas.

Abstract

Objective: Examine the predictors of food insecurity and the association between food security status and dietary intake among students attending an HBCU in the Gulf Coast Region of Texas. Participants: Students (n = 571) enrolled at the university during the Fall 2022 academic semester. Methods: Participants completed an online survey. The USDA Adult Food Security Survey was used to evaluate food security status. Diet History Questionnaire III to determine the frequency of fruit and vegetable intake. Chi-square tests and logistic regressions were performed to assess factors associated with food insecurity. Results: Sophomores had higher odds of being food insecure compared to freshmen, while graduate students had a lesser likelihood of experiencing food insecurity. Food-insecure students consumed fewer fruits and vegetables daily compared to food-secure students. Conclusions: Food insecurity persists among HBCU students. Sophomores are more susceptible to food insecurity than freshmen, while graduate students are less likely to experience food insecurity.