(P02-092-25) Food Insecurity Among Non-U.S. Citizen College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Large Public University

Objectives: To examine food insecurity and its associated factors among non-U.S. citizen college students.

Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted from November to December 2022. Food security was assessed using the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) validated 18-item Household Food Security Survey Module.

Results: Of the 999 non-U.S. citizen students who completed the survey, 31.2% were permanent residents. Participants had a mean age of 25.9 years; were predominantly female (52.5%) and Asian (74.8%). Over half (55.2%) were graduate students, and a significant portion (40.6%) were first-generation college students. A third (36.7%) experienced food insecurity. In the unadjusted analysis, several factors were associated with increased odds of food insecurity. These included identifying as Black/African American, (odds ratio [OR] 2.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-4.35), living off campus (OR 1.43, CI 1.02-2.00), being employed (OR 1.37, CI 1.03-1.82), having sole financial responsibility for tuition/fees (OR 2.03, CI 1.51-2.72)), ever receiving food from a campus pantry (OR 3.55, CI 2.46-5.11), being a first-generation college student (OR 1.93, CI 1.34-2.76), and not having a meal plan (OR 1.60, CI 1.10-2.32). The adjusted model confirmed these associations, with Black/African American race (OR 4.61, CI 1.17-18.15), having sole financial responsibility for tuition/fees (OR 2.15, CI 1.16-3.98), ever receiving food from a campus pantry (OR 8.25, CI 4.03-16.91), and being a first-generation student (OR 1.99, CI 1.13-3.51) remaining significant independent predictors of food insecurity.

Conclusions: This study reveals a significant prevalence of food insecurity among non-U.S. citizen college students, particularly among marginalized groups. To address this issue and promote student well-being, it is imperative to implement comprehensive support systems, such as expanding access to campus food pantries and financial aid. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of food insecurity on academic performance and mental health.

Funding Sources: This study was supported by the Hunger-Free Campus Grant from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education in New Jersey.