Food insecurity on campus: A community-engaged case study with student-led families at the University of British Columbia

Abstract

This paper draws from a community-engagement case study conducted at The University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada. The study examines food insecurity experienced by student families. Research data was collected through quantitative and qualitative methods applied in a residence on campus. The study shows that food insecurity ranges between marginal and moderate among surveyed student-led households; while 5% of student families have (at least) one member “go(ing) to bed feeling hungry”, 3% declared they “sometimes” and “frequently” do not eat enough. Seemingly, financial, food, and housing insecurities are deeply interrelated in student-led households. A system intervention by UBC stakeholders could be optimal to support student wellbeing.

Keywords

• food insecurity on campus
• student household food insecure
• food affordability
• food accessibility
• farm on campus