Food Insecurity

In 2006, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recategorized food insecurity with new standards based on severity (Definitions of food security, 2022). The four categories are listed below. Furthermore, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN) outlines four dimensions of food security (An introduction to the basic concepts of food security, 2008).

Contrary to common understanding, food insecurity and hunger doesn't mean the same thing. Additionally, they do not look the same to everyone. Individuals can experience food insecurity with hunger or food insecurity without hunger. Food insecurity can be temporary or transitory or it can be chronic for some individuals or families (An introduction to the basic concepts of food security, 2008).

Many students are enrolling in college with ongoing commitments to family members, work, and bills, with no other financial support available.

Peterson & Freidus (2020)

Food Insecurity defined

High Food Security

Old label: Food security

No reported indications of food-access problems or limitations

Marginal Food Security

old label=Food security:

One or two reported indications—typically of anxiety over food sufficiency or shortage of food in the house. Little or no indication of changes in diets or food intake

Low Food Security

old label=Food insecurity without hunger:

Reports of reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet. Little or no indication of reduced food intake

Very Low Food Security

old label=Food insecurity with hunger:

Reports of multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake

(Definitions of food security, 2022)

Domains of Food Security

Availability

refers to the amount of food that is physically available to a person, whether it's purchased or grown

Access

is determined by economic factors that determine whether a person can afford food

Utilization

is the number of calories, nutrients, and micronutrients consumed by an individual through cooking practices that make sure they are getting enough calories

Stability

refers to the consistency of availability, access, and utilization over time

(An introduction to the basic concepts of food security, 2008)

Food Insecurity in the US

Prevalence of food insecurity

Food insecurity among college students ranges from 10% to 75%, with the average prevalence rates between 33% to 55%