What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity occurs when individuals do not have reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food to meet their daily needs. For students, this can mean skipping meals, worrying about running out of food, or relying on low-cost options that don’t support health and wellbeing. Addressing food insecurity is an essential part of ensuring every student can focus on their studies and thrive both academically and personally.
Signs of food insecurity
Signs of food insecurity can include skipping meals or eating smaller portions to make food last longer, worrying about running out of food before being able to buy more, or regularly relying on inexpensive, less nutritionally dense foods. Students experiencing food insecurity might also feel tired, distracted, or anxious due to irregular eating habits, or may avoid social situations involving food because of financial constraints. Recognising these signs helps ensure that students can be connected to the right support and resources.