Food Insecurity in University Students Receiving Financial Aid
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the adequacy of loans funding and the risk for food insecurity in students living away from home and receiving loans at the University of Alberta. Methods A nutritious seven-day menu was developed. The menu was priced for skilled and unskilled shoppers at a grocery store near to campus and a discount-style grocery store further away. Results The menu was more costly for males, unskilled shoppers and those students who shopped near to campus. The menu cost was as high as $296/month and often exceeded the $196 allocated by the Canada Student Loans Program for food each month. Conclusions Based on the findings from this study, students reliant on financial assistance likely have insufficient money for a nutritionally adequate diet and are at risk for food insecurity. Shopping skills and budgeting, while important, would be insufficient to alleviate food insecurity for many students who require financial aid. Increased funding for food in student loans is necessary.
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- Authors
- Meldrum, L. A., & Willows, N. D.
- Affiliations
- University of Alberta (CA)
- ORCID
- Willows, Noreen D.
- Venue
- Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
- Publisher
- Dietitians of Canada
- Published
- 2006-03
- Volume
- 67
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 43-46
- ISSN
- 1486-3847 (ISSN-L)
- 2292-9592
- OpenAlex
- W1869044974
- Cited by
- 44
- References
- 2
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 3
- FWCI
- 1.28
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations
- Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Nutrition, Health and Food Behavior
- Social Sciences › Education › Higher Education Research Studies
- Keywords
- food insecurity, university students, student financial aid, student loans, food budgeting, shopping skills, University of Alberta
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Alberta, Female, Food, Food Supply, Humans, Male, Menu Planning, Poverty, Students, Training Support
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