Food Insecurity on an Appalachian Campus

• In Event: Improving the Student Experience

Abstract

College students seem to experience food insecurity at higher rates than the general population and previous studies have shown those at greatest risk for being hungry are low-income, 1st generation college students. Morehead State University (MSU) in Appalachian Eastern Kentucky serves many students who fit that description. MSU students were surveyed in Fall 2023 regarding their food security in the prior 30 days. Of the 547 students with valid responses, more than 50% fell into the low or very low categories of food security, meaning they experienced reduced quality and/or quantity of food in the previous 30 days. The percentage in those two lowest categories rose to 60% or more in the low-income and 1st generation college student respondents. Recommendations are made for universities to help alleviate the food insecurity on their campuses.

Authors

• Lola Aagaard, Morehead State University

• Michael Kessinger, Morehead State University

• Kristie Williams, Morehead State University