Food Insecurity Challenges Among College Student-Athletes

A recent study conducted by Idaho State University highlights the widespread issue of food insecurity faced by college student-athletes across NCAA divisions. Presented at the NASPA Conference in Denver, the research sheds light on how nutritional challenges impact both academic and athletic success. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, reveals that up to 65% of student-athletes experience food insecurity, which can lead to physical health issues and diminished mental focus.

The research team, including experts like Dr. Barbara Gordon and sports nutritionists Natalie Christensen and Jennifer Reader, analyzed the perspectives of athletic trainers and sports dietitians through focus groups within the Big Sky Conference. Their findings point to several contributing factors, such as financial constraints, scheduling conflicts that prevent meal consumption, and insufficient campus resources like fueling stations and dedicated nutrition staff. Additionally, limited life skills and changing living conditions can further restrict access to adequate nutrition.

Social and cultural influences also play a crucial role. Many students may lack access to culturally appropriate foods or face the normalization of financial hardship, viewing poverty as a typical part of college life. Hence, tackling food insecurity in this population requires a comprehensive approach involving students, university departments, and leadership.

Dr. Gordon emphasized that financial limitations are just one aspect of the problem. She advocates for broader solutions, including aligning dining hall hours with practice schedules, adjusting meal plans and stipends for calorie needs, and implementing regular food security screenings during health check-ups. Addressing these layered issues at an institutional level is vital in ending food insecurity among student-athletes.

The study underscores the importance of early intervention and collaborative efforts to ensure food security, enabling student-athletes to perform optimally both academically and athletically. Dissemination of these findings aims to encourage universities to identify and address food insecurity proactively, fostering healthier and more equitable environments for student-athletes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-food-insecurity-student-athletes.html