Kayla Abella

Professor Blumberg
NUFD 404
27 March 2020
Research Proposal

Food Insecurity and Academic Performance

Research Question:​ What is the relationship between food insecurity and academic

performance of college students?

Hypothesis:​ If college students are food insecure, then they will have lower scores on academic

and comprehension tests.

I. Introduction

Based on the most recent USDA data, ​6.0 million children lived in food-insecure

households in which children, along with adults, were food insecure (Coleman-Jensen et al,

2017). Many instances of food insecurity also go unreported due to the individual's feeling

embarrassed or not knowing that they are food insecure. According to the USDA, food insecurity

is not only a lack of access to foods but a lack of sufficient access to nutritious foods. When

individuals are undernourished or skipping meals they are at risk for physical health issues, metal

health instability and cognitive impairment. ​In what ways does food insecurity impact academic

performance of college students? If students are food insecure will they be subject to doing

poorly in classes? Hunger can make it impossible for anyone to concentrate, especially college

students who are still growing, typically lack sleep and are more focused on social and

educational things. I believe that targeting the impact of food insecurity on the learning ability of

college students will help universities develop better strategies for combating hunger and aiding
students in optimal success. Schools need to know where and how to target food insecurity,

especially if it goes unreported. Many universities have made efforts to assist students who are

food insecure through campus pantries and discounted meals but there is still a lack of academic

assistance. I also find there is a lack of mental health support for students facing food insecurity

issues at home. If students are facing food insecurity at home or on campus without the proper

resources for aid, then they will score lower on academic and comprehension tests.

II. Literature review

Many studies conducted within the past decade have researched and focused on the

correlation between food insecurity and academic performance of school-aged children. This has

shown to be a topic of concern affecting students from kindergarten all the way up to college.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has shown concern over this growing problem. In an

article issued by the academy, they express their concern and stance on the issue while also

providing suggestions for aid. This issue is long-term and not only affects academic performance

but the students entire future. A variety of solutions have been tested from meal assistance

programs to community outreaches. The following peer-reviewed articles discuss in depth the

various aspects of this issue and ways to improve on it.

The study by Joshua Winicki and Kyle Jemison analyzes food insecurity and its effect on

the cognitive growth and performance of kindergarten-aged-children. They reference many other

studies that have conducted research on cognitive development and hunger that state a direct

correlation between the two. It is shown that undernourished children will perform at a slower
rate and lack some attentiveness (Winicki, Jemison, 2003). This study obtained their data from a

sample of 24 kindergarten students, assessing their cognitive abilities, physical size, and

household food security status. There were various rounds of assessments and interviews

conducted to obtain the information needed. They displayed the results through graphs, tables

and dividing it into various categories. They concluded that food insecurity does affect academic

standing and cognitive ability based on questions that review over different contributing factors.

These contributing factors include questions that deem a household food insecure and the level

of insecurity. For example, one of the charts had questions asking if the participant ever worried

food would run out or if the food bought didn’t last and the status in correlation with the question

would indicate, food secure, food insecure without hunger or food insecure with hunger. They

also had a chart that broke down participants' mean academic scores in correlation with BMI,

body weight and deemed food security based on the previous chart.

The article by Dr. David Holben expresses the position of the Academy of Nutrition and

Dietetics in relation to food insecurity. The Academy states their position that “systematic and

sustained action is needed to achieve food and nutrition security for all in the United

States”(Holben, 2010). This position paper delves into the views the academy has involving food

insecurity, which includes its impact on academic performance. Some of the key points made in

this paper include, the prevalence of food insecurity in the US, its relation to nutrition and

non-nutrition outcomes, dietary intake in children and adults, child/adolescent health and

development, chronic disease and obesity. They discuss systematic actions that can be taken

within the community to combat these issues. Some of the solutions mentioned include research,
increasing job and economic security, supporting food and nutrition assistance programs and

education.

In the article titled, “Transitions Into Food Insecurity Associated With Behavioral

Problems And Worse Overall Health Among Children”, they discuss the impacts of going in and

out of food insecurity on the behavior both socially and academically of children (Kimbro,

2015). This study consisted of parent interviews and child assessments. This is still an ongoing

study. So far they have found no significant impact on the children's academic performance.

They did find a significant impact on the behavior of the children from reports from teachers. In

their conclusion they have stated that food insecurity is a significant issue to the development of

children.

In, “The Effect of Breakfast in the Classroom on Obesity and Academic Performance:

Evidence from New York City” the authors discuss the federal school breakfast program and the

researched impact on children’s academic and social performance. In this article they note the

issues surround participation in the breakfast program which could skew the data. Although the

program is there, there is no guarantee that students will utilize the program. The article

discusses various outreaches they are performing in order to increase participation such as

allowing students to eat their breakfast in their first class of the day. Those in favor of moving

breakfast into the classroom state that it would show, “improved academic performance,

attendance, and engagement, in addition to reducing child hunger and food insecurity among

disadvantaged children” (Corcoran and Schwartz, 2016). According to the article, no adverse

effects on lunch participation or increase in obesity resulted from this study. There were positive
effects found on a variety of factors such as attendance rates, academic performance and

participation (Corcoran and Schwartz, 2016). Based on the research found, the BIC program

seems to provide more positive effects with very little negative effects. It is shown that the

nourishment of the students puts them at a better advantage and better mindset in order to

achieve optimal academic success.

In the article by Anthony Mezza et al, they discuss their research on the impact of food

insecurity on mental health and academic performance among college students. The research was

conducted through a variety of interviews with 25 college students recruited from the school

pantry. Each student was also asked to fill out a survey which outlined more of the demographic

questions for the research. Students were then asked a series of open-ended questions that were

designed by the research team. These questions led to discussions about a variety of aspects of

food insecurity including psychological effects such as issues with social relationships, sadness

and jealousy of food secure students. They also discussed those feelings they experienced in

relation to academic performance. For example, some showed anger at the academic institution,

distraction from work and embarrassment from instances like their stomachs growling during

class. The purpose of this study was to shed light on the varieties of issues and struggles faced by

students who are food insecure. The researchers utilized the information and testimonies from

the students in order to spread awareness of this growing issue, in hopes that the institutions

would address and provide aid to the students.

III. Methodology
 a. Study design

Food insecurity is related to developmental issues and malnutrition which may pose

issues for achieving academic goals. In the articles discussed above, many researchers have

found significant results showing the different ways that food insecurity can affect individuals

and children. Food insecurity has also been identified as an important issue that needs to be

resolved especially when in relation to children. Many solutions have also been proposed in

order to combat this issue. The problem being addressed in this research is the relationship

between food insecurity and academic performance of college students.This study would be a

cross-sectional study because the information would be collected from one point in time and then

analyzed. This would also be a descriptive study because we are going to be observing the results

from the survey without influencing the answers in any way. For this study, it is only necessary

to collect data from one point in time. A study that would collect data over time might work

better for research on food insecurity and its relation to the success of college students

throughout school or when transitioning into the workforce. This is a study focusing on general

relations between food security and academic performance.

There has been a lot of research conducted about this issue focusing around physical

effects of hunger, cognition, social and emotional effects as well. Many researchers have

proposed solutions or ways to combat this issue through universities and programs that aid food

insecure students. Some programs have been enacted such as the food pantry at Montclair State

University. This program provides pantry goods for students that are donated by the community,

other students and staff. There are not many programs centered around providing more nutritious
foods for students and I did not find many programs that provide free or discounted meal plans to

students. In my research not only would I like to focus on the relationship between food security

and academic performance in college students but the prevalence of this issue on college

campuses. I think that identifying whether the two variables correlate and how many individuals

are food insecure on campus will help with proposing solutions to the issue. I believe that I will

find that being food insecure puts students at an academic disadvantage due to delayed cognitive

development, physical effects of hunger and possible effects of low-socioeconomic status.

The information necessary for adequate testing of the hypothesis would be GPA of

students, household income, whether they participate in any food assistance programs (SNAP),

and the data collected from the cognitive test. The GPA would help researchers understand the

general academic performance of the population over-time. The household income will help

researchers understand poverty level, if any, among students, which could impact food security.

This also applies to whether the individual participates in food assistance programs. The

cognitive test is important for understanding the development of the students since academic

standing may not always be related to cognitive ability. This information will help identify the

relationship between the two and whether there is a cohesive trend between food insecurity and

academic performance.

The methods of analysis in order to accept or reject the hypothesis would include

calculating the correlation coefficient, identifying the relationship between the two variables and

analyzing the charted data to identify any trends. Statistical analysis of trends in a scatter plot by

using a trend line to show positive or negative trends, along with statistical analysis of skews in a
histogram would also help identify the relationship between the two variables. There will also be

comparison of the demographic data of the campus population provided by the university and

census data in relation to what is given in the survey in order to determine the most accurate

information.

b. Sampling methodology

i. The sampling method would be a form of random sampling from the

student population at Montclair State University. Researchers would use

stratified random. All students in the university would be given the

opportunity (optional) to share their economic status with the school

through a short survey that will be sent to everyone via email. From the

students who respond to the survey a sample will be selected and divided

into 4 sub groups based on income. A percentage of data to be collected

from each strata will be calculated based on the data population. Once

participants are narrowed down the research surveys will be distributed via

email to the select participants. There will be no payment provided to

participants in return for participating in the study in order to avoid

potential bias. Also since the study is descriptive we do not want to bias

the results in any way. Students who sign up to participate will be asked to

provide their email in order to receive the surveys virtually, if they are

selected by the random number generator.

c. Data collection
 i. The data will be collected through a survey distributed to participants via

email. The students will be sent an email with an option to participate in

the research via their Montclair email. The demographic data will be

collected through both the survey responses and published data on the

Montclair State population. The published data on the Montclair State

population will be collected through university data and census data. The

survey will ask a total of 30 questions about the students background,

household income, questions about food access and questions about GPA

and academic achievement. Each student will receive the same surveys

with the same questions. A separate 10-minute timed survey will also

follow that tests cognition and attentiveness. This survey will be similar to

an IQ test with memory and comprehension sections. Students who

participate will be given one chance to answer both surveys and will be

given a week to submit it.

d. Data analysis

i. Correlation would be used to analyze the relationship between food

insecurity and GPA. The correlation coefficient will be calculated in order

to identify the strength of the relationship between food insecurity and

academic performance. The correlation coefficient either displaying as a

+1, -1 or close to zero will show whether there is a strong positive

relationship, strong negative relationship or no relationship at all between

 the two variables. After the data is analyzed it could be compared with

existing research in order to identify possible solutions or interventions.

IV. Practical Implications

a. The research findings would be important for policy because if the findings show

a significant relationship between food insecurity and academic performance in

college students, there could be a push for stricter policy. Regulations could also

be set in order to ensure every college student is sufficiently fed. Practice could be

influenced because university staff and officials would become more

knowledgeable and aware of the consequences of food insecurity and will be

more active in aiding those deemed food insecure. Similar to the research

mentioned above by Anthony Mezza on the effects of food insecurity on college

students, this research study would create awareness about the issue. Identifying

the relationship between the two would shed light on the prevalence of these

issues in colleges and, along with spreading awareness, could spark passion to

change the issue. The proposed solutions and questions that are asked are all

surrounding the theory that food insecurity affects academic performance. There

is some evidence that shows the two effect eachother but various aspects remain

unaddressed such as why and how much. Further subsequent research may want

to ask why this problem is occurring and why college students make up such a

large percentage of those deemed food insecure. There are many aspects to this

issue that need to be researched and understood in order to address the problem.
b. The results associated with potentially putting a plan of action for combating food

insecurity on campus as a practitioner in the field could deem positive for some

and negative for others. Combating food insecurity involves cooperation from

food companies such as Aramark, Sodexo, and Chartwells. These companies

might have to make price adjustments, comply with discounted meal programs or

even donate some food. These are all suggestions that would help with combating

food insecurity for students but some companies are hesitant to pursue because it

could mean potential loss in profits. This could also affect campuses because they

might have to recruit volunteers to help collect food, which could be positive

because it creates a service position but negative if there aren’t many people who

volunteer. Working to lower food costs or apply discounts can be generally a

challenging situation because there are contracts and agreements involved

between the campus and the food companies since it is still a business.

Graduation and academic performance rates affect the profits that the school

obtains so combating food insecurity also improves the institution. The research

proving that food insecurity has a potential relationship with academic

performance could help with getting food companies on board with making

changes to eating on campus in order to make sure everyone is fed despite

socioeconomic status to ensure academic success.

Bibliography:

Corcoran, S. P., Elbel, B., & Schwartz, A. E. (2016). The Effect of Breakfast in the Classroom

on

Obesity and Academic Performance: Evidence from New York City. ​Journal of Policy

Analysis & Management​, ​35​(3), 509.

Food Insecurity. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/social-determinants-health/i

nterventions-resources/food-insecurity

Key Statistics & Graphics. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/key-sta

tistics-graphics.aspx

Kimbro, R. T., & Denney, J. T. (2015). Transitions into food insecurity associated with

behavioral problems and worse overall health among children.​ Health Affairs, 34(​ 11),

1949-2A. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.montclair.edu:2048/10.1377/hlthaff.2015.0626

Meza, A., Altman, E., Martinez, S., & Leung, C. W. (2019). “It’s a Feeling That One Is Not

Worth Food”: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Psychosocial Experience and Academic

Consequences of Food Insecurity Among College Students. ​Journal of the Academy of

Nutrition & Dietetics,​ ​119(​ 10), 1713.

Position of the American Dietetic Association: Food Insecurity in the United States. (2010).

Journal of the American Dietetic Association​, ​110​(9), 1368–1377.

https://doi-org.ezproxy.montclair.edu/10.1016/j.jada.2010.07.015

Winicki, J., & Jemison, K. (2003). Food Insecurity and Hunger in the Kindergarten Classroom:
Its Effect on Learning and Growth. ​Contemporary Economic Policy,​ ​21(​ 2), 145.

https://doi-org.ezproxy.montclair.edu/10.1093/cep/byg001