As the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect people across the UK, a recent study has brought to light the extent of student food insecurity. The Food Foundation reported a decrease in fresh food consumption of 7.5% last year, with diets consisting of increasingly unhealthy ultra-processed food (The Grocer, 2022). This blog post examines the findings of a dissertation study conducted in Bristol, shedding light on students' lived experiences. By delving into the results, we uncover the impacts of food inflation on student food security, explore student coping strategies, and emphasise the need for action. This looks like universities encouraging their students to start urban farming to improve access to fresh food.
The Silent Struggle
Social stigma and reluctance to discuss food insecurity led to feelings of hopelessness. This hinders research and aid, leaving those affected feeling unsupported. Research suggests that reported incidences of food insecurity could be higher than estimated, and this study hopes to start a conversation.
The Impact on Wellbeing and Academic Success
University is a time for personal and academic growth. Yet, the cost-of-living crisis and associated food insecurity pose significant obstacles for students. Increases in average monthly spending of £100 saw students working 200% of the recommended 12 hours of employment per week alongside their studies. This research highlighted the detrimental effects of food insecurity on physical and mental well-being. This hinders students' ability to study and fully engage in their education.
The Urgent Need for Further Work
Surprisingly, apart from research conducted by Defeyter et al. (2020), there have been no other UK-based studies on food insecurity and student well-being. However, the link is evident. Further work is needed to provide informed support and targeted communications for students facing food insecurity.
The Call for Collaboration and Action
Interim findings published by the Food Standard Agency (2023) reveal a concerning 44% prevalence of food insecurity among UK higher education students. This highlights the pressing need for collaboration between universities and students to improve food security. Access to nutritious, sustainable, and culturally appropriate food should be a priority for all stakeholders. A national study employing qualitative or mixed methods could raise awareness, encourage open discussions, and inform effective interventions.
The Role of Food Education
While affordability remains a key issue for students, cooking skills also play a role in accessing healthier diets. However, more than the ability to cook is required. Students expressed the desire for food education as part of their degree and through social media. Investing in comprehensive food education, from growing to cooking, can empower students to eat better to improve the health of people and planet.
The Wider Picture
While grassroots interventions can help to alleviate the problem, these are merely plasters on the problem and do not address the root cause. While the top 10% of households hold 43% of wealth in the UK, the bottom 10% hold just 9%. 258,000 Brits became millionaires last year, but food inflation of 19.1% has pushed 9.3 million adults into food insecurity (The Guardian, 2022).
Urban Farming
Food inflation and its impact on student food security require urgent attention. This study sheds light on the struggles faced by students, emphasising the need for further research and collaboration. This blog post calls for immediate action to improve access to nutritious, affordable, and ethical food for all. By fostering better relationships with food, we can ensure a brighter future for our country and address the pressing issue of food insecurity in society.
50 Ways To Cook recognises the difficulties faced by students and indeed the wider UK population. Food production in urban environments is currently very low, but is an easy way to increase the supply of local fresh produce to citizens. For this reason I am working very hard to pull together grow kits which include everything needed for anyone to start growing their own fresh fruit and vegetables at home. These will be for sale very soon so please subscribe to the website to receive updates.
References
Defeyter, G. et al., 2020. Food Insecurity and Lived Experiences of Students, London, UK
FSA, 2023. Food behaviours in the UK student population
The Grocer, 2022. Vegetable consumption falls 7.5% in response to cost of living crisis
The Guardian, 2022. Richest 1% of UK households are worth at least £3.6m each
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