Food/Financial Insecurity

Many Canadian post-secondary students struggle with food security, which has only increased since the COVID-19 pandemic (Meal Exchange, 2021). In a survey distributed to post-secondary students in Canada, an estimated 56.8% of students face at least some food insecurity (Meal Exchange, 2021).

Research has shown that in the post-secondary student population, there is a significant relationship between food insecurity and the risk of developing an eating disorder that is independent of anxiety and depression diagnoses (Zickgraf et al., 2022). This relationship is significant across all genders, including cisgender men and women, as well as transgender and gender-diverse individuals, although more research is required to examine this relationship more closely (Zickgraf et al., 2022).

One research study reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on post-secondary students showed a significant correlation between food and financial insecurity and the presence of both AN and BED (Tavolacci et al., 2021). This was attributed to financial insecurity and irregular food availability, increasing cycles of restriction and binging (Tavolacci et al., 2021). It was also hypothesized that disordered eating behaviours may have assisted with managing stress related to the pandemic (Tavolacci et al., 2021).

Due to the significant ongoing socioeconomic pressures on students, including the increasingly high cost of living, this should be an area of significant concern for campuses across Canada and be addressed through on and off-campus programming to decrease stress, address mental health, and increase access to food supports.

Recommendations

	Recognize the impact of precarious food supply and financial insecurity for students.
	Create spaces and programs on campus that give students access to regular and nourishing meals/groceries.