Theoretical Application to Understand Food Insecurity Among College Students: A Multi-Systems Life Course Perspective

Empirical studies have shown a distinct relationship between academic performance and food insecurity in college students. Specifically, food-insecure students are more likely to report a lower grade point average than their food secure counterparts. Since the Great Recession, more attention has been given to the topic of hunger and food insecurity among college students; however, the literature still lacks a comprehensive examination of various issues facing today’s college students. Using a multi-systems life course (MSLC) perspective, this paper provides a conceptual explanation of the lived experience of college students by offering a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by this population. Findings from this study will assist researchers, practitioners, and university administrators in their efforts to address hunger among this population.

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