Food insecurity is emerging as an important concern within higher education, extending beyond limited access to meals to broader questions surrounding students’ health, well-being and academic experience.
Recent research suggests that college and university students experiencing food insecurity may face challenges associated with diet quality, mental well-being and academic performance. The issue has increasingly drawn attention from researchers and higher education institutions as universities consider how access to nutritious food can influence the overall student experience.
A 2025 systematic review involving more than 743,000 post-secondary students reported a high prevalence of food insecurity among the student population and identified associations between food insecurity and poorer health and academic outcomes. The findings highlight the scale of the issue across higher education and point to the importance of understanding food access as part of wider student support.
A further 2026 systematic review examining food insecurity among higher-education students found that most of the studies reviewed reported an association between food insecurity and poorer academic outcomes. While such research identifies relationships rather than proving that food insecurity directly causes academic difficulties, the findings indicate that limited access to adequate food can be an important factor in the wider educational environment.
Food insecurity can also affect students’ ability to maintain a balanced diet. When financial limitations restrict food choices, students may find it more difficult to consistently access nutritious and varied meals. This can create additional challenges for students already managing academic workloads, living expenses and other pressures associated with university life.
Research has also associated food insecurity among students with higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression. These findings underline the interconnected nature of nutrition, mental well-being and educational participation, although individual experiences can vary considerably.
Universities therefore have an important role to play in developing supportive environments that address food access alongside other student needs. Potential approaches include affordable meal options, food-support initiatives, nutrition education, campus food assistance and resources that help students identify available support.
