Food security as a basic need: College students need greater support from institutional administration

Food insecurity among college students has become a growing concern, with reports documenting its prevalence for over a decade. As the demographics of university and college students change, with more first-generation, nontraditional, and minority students, the risk of food insecurity is heightened. This viewpoint contends that food security is an essential basic need among college students, and when left unmet, it significantly impacts their well-being, resulting in an increased risk of poor academic performance or departure from higher education before degree completion. To combat this issue, universities and colleges must develop and sustain food security initiatives and programs, with administrators playing a critical role. We highlight key areas in which institutional administration can take actionable steps to dedicate the necessary support and resources to proposed and ongoing programs, foster an equitable campus culture, and be advocates for policies at the state and federal level that promote students’ food security.