Research: Hungry for Change – Tackling Food Insecurity on Campus

A recent study at the University of Wollongong found that over half of surveyed students experienced some level of food insecurity, with male students and those living away from home at higher risk. Food-insecure students consistently had poorer diet quality, particularly low intake of fruits and vegetables. While many accessed the campus food pantry, these programs were often limited by low awareness, stigma, and inconsistent access to nutritious options. The findings show that campus food support needs to move beyond short-term fixes and become part of a broader wellbeing strategy that addresses the root causes of food insecurity. This includes improving the on-campus food environment, offering affordable, nutritious options, and promoting inclusive, destigmatised initiatives. Addressing these issues is vital not only for student health, but also for supporting academic success, retention, and equity outcomes across university populations.

Citation: Kent, K., Sui, Y. S., et al. Association between food insecurity status, campus food initiative use and diet quality in Australian university students. Journal of Dietitians Australia, 2023. (link)