Food insecurity is one of many factors that impact overall health and well-being. Health-promoting, nourishing food impacts academic achievement. The US Department of Agriculture provides definitions for "low food insecurity" and "very low food insecurity." Low food insecurity refers to "reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet." Very low food insecurity refers to "disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake."

The US Department of Health and Human Services has published Healthy People 2030, a collection of "national objectives to improve health and well-being over the next decade." One objective in the current publication is to "reduce household food insecurity and hunger." Specifically, the goal is to decrease the current rate to 6% by the end of the decade. Per Healthy People 2030 data, 13.7% of overall households reported food insecurity. The publication provides health data concerning the veteran population; specifically, 8.7% of veteran households reported food insecurity.

Unemployment and disability impact veteran food insecurity rates. For example, data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show 3.0% of veterans without a disability were unemployed, whereas 5.7% of veterans with a disability were unemployed in a 12-month period. Veterans with part-time employment status had higher rates of food insecurity than those working full-time.

Additional studies of veterans identified factors that may have an impact. The first factor was household location. Specifically, veterans residing in rural areas have higher rates of food insecurity than veterans residing in other areas. The second factor was veteran age. Veterans aged 25-34 had higher rates of very low food security compared to veterans of other ages. Data also suggest the number of periods of military service is associated with food insecurity; specifically, veterans with two or more periods of military service have lower rates of food insecurity than other veterans.

Impact of Higher Education

Research suggests that higher education is associated with lower food insecurity rates among veterans. Veterans with at least a bachelor's degree have lower food insecurity rates than veterans with some college education or less. Veterans with some college education and/or an associate's degree have lower rates of very low food insecurity compared to veterans with a high school diploma only. The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that more than 50% of veterans who utilize VA benefits are enrolled in undergraduate programs/degrees. In total, however, data suggest that veterans represent less than 5% of undergraduates nationwide.

Higher Education Spaces That Can Develop Programming to Reduce Food Insecurity and Support Veteran Health

Healthy People 2030 provides "communities, states, and organizations across the country" with resources to achieve health and wellness outcomes, such as reduced rates of food insecurity. The higher education community is a community with services and resources that can make a positive impact on overall veteran health and well-being. Examples of higher education spaces and the services and/or resources that can provide support veterans include the following.

Academic Advising

Higher education advisors are invaluable sources of support to students, including veterans. Advisors foster personalized, student-centered education journeys and assist with student retention and degree completion. Advisors can connect students with campus services during times of hardship or food insecurity.

Campus Health Clinics

Campus health clinics impact health on the individual and community levels. Campus health clinics employ various professionals who provide individualized care to students. For example, many campus health centers have registered dietitians, professionals with extensive training in community health settings. Registered dietitians can connect veterans to community resources, such as local food pantries and more. For example, student veterans can be directed to the VA questionnaire to self-screen for food insecurity and to connect to veteran resources. Also, campus health clinics can coordinate campus-wide education initiatives on nutrition-related topics, including food insecurity.

Career Services

Unemployment is a factor associated with veteran food insecurity and career services on campus can be a proactive solution to help students avoid employment gaps. Student veterans can receive support from career services staff to improve full-time employment outcomes after graduation. Career services staff can provide services such as resume review, cover letter writing, networking, and interview preparation. Furthermore, career services staff may connect veterans with programs that provide free business attire for interviews.

Veterans' Services Offices

Many institutions have service offices that assist veterans with their higher education journeys. Staff members provide information regarding tuition assistance, scholarship opportunities, financial aid programs, and more. These offices also provide community and connection for veterans. These communities can be a helpful resource for veterans new to the student experience. Depending on funding and resources, veterans offices/center can designate a 'veterans kitchen' that provide food, snacks, and other needs.

Campus Cafeterias

Campus cafeterias are ideal locations for campus-wide nutrition education delivery. For example, all students, including veterans, can receive information on health-promoting, cost-effective meals. Furthermore, campus cafeterias can be a location for cooking demonstrations and classes, equipping students with cost-effective shopping and cooking skills in preparation for graduation.

Conclusion

A goal of Healthy People 2030 is to reduce food insecurity. Food insecurity impacts overall health and academic performance. Higher education advising, student health clinics, career services, veterans' services offices, and campus cafeterias are five examples of higher education spaces that offer resources and services that can work to support veteran health and well-being and reduce food insecurity

Article Topics

Military Friendly Institutions Research on Student Veterans Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success

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