Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

This report documents the prevalence of food insecurity in the student population at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a prestigious large public university, as measured by an anonymous survey distributed to over 29,000 students in the fall of 2016, including professional and graduate students.  With over 5500 students responding, the results suggest food insecurity is prevalent.  More than one-fifth of respondents have low or very low food security, affecting a higher percentage of students as they progress through the undergraduate system.  African-American and international students also reported higher levels of food insecurity.  In terms of support, the greatest concerns are with accessibility and affordability. Of those who reported to need more support, more than 75% reported needing much more than they currently have.  Senior and married students are some of those most likely to not have enough money for food because of the need to spend money on other items. They are also some of those most likely to use more coping strategies to obtain food.  Further analysis will include consideration of the impact of food insecurity on self-reported academic progress.  Along with growing numbers of food pantries being opened on campuses and widespread reporting of student debt burdens, the results raise questions about the economic stress encountered by students in the U.S. higher education system.