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The Effect of Food Insecurity on Scholastic Achievement

Etty Gestetner

Liberal Arts, Excelsior College

LA498JF: LIBERAL ARTS CAPSTONE

11/05/20
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Abstract

The topic of my research is the effect that food insecurity has on a student’s academic success. The

research behind this paper is extensive and varied, in order to give a sufficient overview of the topic.

Many households suffer from food insecurity and the subsequent effects that it has. Food insecurity is

defined as the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious

food. This in turn has a severe impact on the scholastic success of students in that household. Students

who do not receive adequate nutrition face a serious struggle when it comes to engaging with the world

around them. Within the range of students effected by food insecurity, there are specific groups that are

particularly hard hit. This includes specific races, ethnic minorities and children growing up in single

parent homes. The effects of food insecurity can be long lasting and even permanent. Therefore,

education and awareness in regard to this issue is imperative. Food insecurity effects students of all

ages, necessitating all educational institutions to be equipped to deal with it. There are problems with

approaching a solution to this problem, one of the main ones being the shame that is associated with

reaching out for help. Students report a stigma toward those that are eligible for help. The solution that

I am proposing is a on campus food pantry. The food pantry will be available to all students, regardless

whether they require the services, due to food insecurity, or not. Hopefully this will help reduce the

embarrassment associated with receiving free food.

The Effect of Food Insecurity on Scholastic Achievement

Young children. Adults. College students. Entire households. Innocent, vulnerable people who

are suffering each day from the effects of food insecurity. According to Merriam Webster, food

insecurity is defined as the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable,

nutritious food. The statistics of those who are affected by this issue are shocking. ). In 2010, 19.3% of

Americans reported suffering from food insecurity, defined as having inconsistent access to adequate

food because of limited financial and other resources (Pruitt et al., 2010). Not having adequate food

either meant food lacking in nutrition or simply not having enough food at all. Not having food at all is

not a concept that most are familiar with, or able to relate to. Imagine families opening up the doors of

the fridge, cupboard or pantry, only to find them empty yet again. Picture a student, showing up to

school for the fifth day in a row without a sandwich for lunch, because there is no bread to make a

sandwich with. The impact and the toll that food insecurity takes on those suffering is terrible, far-

reaching and has long lasting effects. However, there is one area that I wish to discuss in particular. The

area I am focusing on in this work is the impact that food insecurity has on students. Research has

proven a strong link between food insecurity and student’s academic struggles. Students living in homes

that are classified as food insecure are not properly equipped to succeed in school.

Literature Review

Food insecurity is defined as the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of

affordable, nutritious food (Merriam Webster, 2019). This is problem that many households worldwide

face. Analysis of households suffering from food insecurity reveals that household members who are
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students are being hit particularly severely, as researchers have determined a strong link between food

insecurity and academic struggle.

This issue is a global problem. Food insecurity is highest in countries in Sub- Saharan Africa, with

35% of the population suffering , but it is certainly in no way limited to those countries.(Thome, 2018).

In 2010, 19.3% of Americans reported suffering from food insecurity, defined as having inconsistent

access to adequate food because of limited financial and other resources (Pruitt et al., 2010). Not having

adequate food either meant food lacking in nutrition or simply not having enough food at all. Even

more recently, in 2015, 4 million Canadians were living in homes that were classified as food insecure

( Ford-Jones, 2015). Chilton et al. (2009) noted in their research that food insecurity is more prevalent in

the United States than obesity. This in agreement with what Stanford et al. (2018) note in their article,

but they add on a point that is important to note. The media tends to focus and highlight the issue of

obesity in America out of proportion to the magnitude of the actual problem. In actuality, the number of

people who are affected by food insecurity is far greater than that of those affected by obesity (Stanford

et al., 2018).

Researchers are in agreement that this kind of instability, of a home not having sufficient

nutrition, has a significant impact on students’ academic success. Studies have proven that students who

suffer from food insecurity will not do as well as those who do not. These students who suffer from

hunger are less equipped to reach their full potential as they engage with the world around them

(Woerden et al., 2019). In a study conducted on of children ages 3-17, researchers pointed out a

possible link in this cause and effect phenomenon. Researchers noted that children who suffer from

food insecurity will also be plagued by ADHD and other focus related disorders at a much higher rate

compared to well fed children (Lu et al., 2019).

There is disagreement in the literature, regarding the degree to which food insecurity is a major

contributing factor to such focus-related disorders. Thapar et al. (2013) for example, argue that children

are predisposed to these conditions at birth. They are in agreement however, that food insecurity can

exacerbate these issues.

In a study conducted on high school students, a correlation between poor health and academic

failure was shown (Needham et al. 2004). The study drew information from the National Longitudinal

Study of Adolescent Health, a study using representation from schools across the United States. The goal

of the study was to determine the causes of academic struggle in secondary school education. The

results of the study were very much aligned with that of researchers such as Althoff et al. and Lu. Poor

health, such as overall fatigue and frequent illness were the biggest causes of low academic

achievement. Literature has consistently found food insecurity to be negatively associated with health

(Gunderson et al. 2015). This only fortifies what other researchers (such as Woerden, Lu) have

discussed- a student suffering from food insecurity will be at risk of academic shortfall.

In an article discussing the negative impacts of food insecurity on childhood development, the

authors highlighted the role that race plays (Althoff et al., 2016). They noted that food insecurity

impacts some races more than others. The risk of household food insecurity is generally higher among

racial and ethnic minorities, large families with children, single parent households, and rural

environments. Miller et al. (2015) point out in their research households ran by single mothers as being

particularly vulnerable. Regionally within the U.S., food insecure households are more prominent in the

South (Colman-Jensen et al., 2015). Researchers also shed light on another group in society who are

specifically at risk of suffering from food insecurity. Analyzing data gathered by the USDA over the past

20 years, researchers came out with the following statistic. Data showed that rates of food insecurity
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increased immensely among Black and Hispanic people- with a frequency double that of white

individuals (Odoms-Young, 2018).

The ethical problems in regard to finding a solution to this pervasive problem were enumerated

by a number of researchers. Karnaze (2018) has pointed out the issue that students who were provided

free food felt inferior and segregated from their classmates who had their own food. There is more

research discussing this shame that comes along with food insecurity. In a survey done on college

students who were struggling with food insecurity, many of them responded that they never reached

out for help out of embarrassment (Zein et al., 2018).

In conclusion, research proves a strong link between food insecurity and academic struggle. This

problem is prevalent worldwide, even in the modern world. There are other factors that may contribute

to academic struggle as well, such as genetics and poor health., which can come as a result of food

insecurity. Cultural diversity plays a role in this issue since students from minorities are often more

susceptible to food insecurity. From an ethical perspective, it is a challenge to think of a solution to this

problem, since students who need to be provided with food will often feel ashamed. Food insecurity,

and the resulting negative effects on academic ability and performance, is a problem that must be

solved.

Diversity and Ethical Perspectives

The problem that I am choosing to focus on is the effect that food insecurity has on academic

success. This is a very broad topic, with the range of those being effected being quite diverse. However,

there are certain groups and entities that are specifically vulnerable to the issue of food insecurity.

Diversity Perspectives
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Vulnerability to this issue is primarily in an economic regard. After all, a constant supply of fresh,

nutritious, nourishing food is a big expense. Chilton et al., (2008) noted that the issue of food insecurity

is of special concern among women and young children. With more than 12 million children living in

homes classified as food insecure, sizable segments of the population are at risk for poor development

and impaired performance in school, an outcome that can diminish national productivity (Chilton et al.

2009).

This article pointed out another area of immediate concern. The link between malnourished

mothers and young children may actually precede the birth of that child. A woman who is malnourished

at the time of her pregnancy is more likely to give birth to a low-birthweight child. In turn, children who

are born weighing less are more susceptible to undernutrition and poor cognitive development (Chilton

et al. 2009). Heading a few years down the line, this can seriously impact a child’s academic success.

Children’s’ cognition and development changes rapidly in the first few years of their lives, so it is of

utmost importance that their bodies and minds be properly nourished as they undergo these changes.

Another entity that is specifically at risk to the pressing issue of food insecurity are the various

groups of minorities. Analyzing extensive and in-depth data gathered by the USDA over the past 20

years, researchers came out with the following stark statistic. Data showed that rates of food insecurity

increased immensely among Black and Hispanic people- with a frequency double that of white

individuals (Odoms-Young, 2018). There are a number of reasons that this sad reality can be attributed

to, but I wish to mention the most basic one here. The simple, basic reason for this occurrence of higher

food insecurity among minorities is a direct result of discrimination against ethnic minorities. Racial

discrimination limits people of color’s access to educational and employment opportunities resulting in

social and economic consequences that could lead to food insecurity. Recent data reported by the Pew

Research Center indicate that the wealth of white households was 13 times the median wealth of black
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and 10 times greater than Hispanic households. This economic situation makes it difficult and often

impossible for these households to afford nourishing and adequate quantities of healthy food. Their

pantries are bare and their cupboards are empty, a result of their limited financial means.

Althoff et al. (2016) highlighted another group that sadly are more vulnerable to the issue of

food insecurity. These are the single- parent households, subsisting on one adult salary. A child growing

up in such a home, whether a result of divorce, absentee father or a parent’s death will be at a higher

risk for food insecurity. As a general rule, family structure and specific family dynamics have a

tremendous impact on the security of the food situation in a home. According to Miller, et al. (2014)

households headed by single mothers have had the highest rates of child food insecurity (CFI) whereas

married-couple households have had the lowest rates: 18.7 versus 6.3%, according to the most recent

data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Since homes ran by singles moms are

unfortunately quite common, and the majority of these homes to not have ample financial means, the

number of children being included in these statistics is staggering.

Cultural perspectives also contribute greatly toward the awareness of this problem and it’s

perceived significance. Ask most Americans to name the number one food related issue in the United

States, in the year 2020, chances are you’ll get one of the following answers. Childhood obesity.

Overeating adolescents. Obesity in toddlers. The media tends to focus on the rapid upward march of

numbers on scales across America. What many Americans don’t realize however, is the terrible toll that

food insecurity is taking on our country, and on the many whose lives it effects. Food insecurity—the

lack of access to enough quality food for an active and healthy life—is also an urgent public health

problem in the United States, affecting 11.1% of the population in 2009 ( Chilton et al. 2009).Food

insecurity has been associated with poor health status in children and adults, depression and anxiety

disorders among teens and grownups, and suicidal ideation in adolescents. Even the mildest, slightest
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form of food insecurity is directly associated with a steep risk of poor, impaired cognitive, social, and

emotional development of children younger than 3 years ( Chilton et al. 2009).

So why isn’t food insecurity something we are more familiar with? The question that begs to be

asked goes even further; if food insecurity is so common among children and households then why isn’t

more attention being drawn to it? Perhaps I am speaking from a personal angle, but until I began

researching this problem, I would not have been able to fathom the extent of this problem and the far

reaches of its claws. There is a wealth of information on this topic, and perhaps the public is more

informed than I was when I started this research paper. One thing I can say definitely is that this is

something that teachers and educators must be hyper aware of. As Chilton et al. (2009) mentioned,

food insecurity will already begin to have an effect on children’s’ cognitive development from the age of

three years old! This is not something that can be shoved under the rug. The media focuses a lot of

attention on obesity, as pointed out by Stanford et al (2018). This causes people to imagine that all, or at

least most, Americans have an overabundant access to food. While this may be the case for some

privileged Americans, many are suffering with the terrible reality of food insecurity.

Ethical Implications

The ethical implications of this problem of food insecurity have numerous facets. Since we are

discussing the specific effect that food insecurity has on students, I would say a large portion of the

social responsibility begins with awareness. Being a teacher or an educator is a job that comes along

with myriad responsibilities. The first is primarily to ensure the student’s academic success that year.

However, education is a resource for life and one year builds off another. If a student suffers

academically for even one year, whether in terms of not being able to keep up all year, or even not

grasping a key concept, these problems can come back to haunt years down the line.
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As mentioned above, and I will reiterate here, students without a steady access to nutritious

food will suffer tremendously on an academic level. As Woerden et al. (2019) noted, students who

suffer from hunger are less equipped to reach their full potential as they engage with the world around

them. In a study conducted on children ages 3-17, researchers pointed out a possible link in this cause

and effect phenomenon. Researchers noted that children who suffer from food insecurity will also be

plagued by ADHD and other focus related disorders at a much higher rate compared to well fed children

(Lu et al., 2019). Educators and teachers therefore have a tremendous responsibility that their students

are being adequately fed and nourished. This responsibility places an extra burden on the already

heavily overworked teachers. They have many students sitting under their tutelage and it is very

possible for a student suffering from food insecurity to slip under the radar.

The first key step in this sort of situation is education. This means that educators must be made

aware about the prevalence of this problem and the possibility that one of their students may be

coming to school on an empty stomach each day. In 2010, 19.3% of Americans reported suffering from

food insecurity, defined as having inconsistent access to adequate food because of limited financial and

other resources (Pruitt et al., 2010). Not having adequate food either meant food lacking in nutrition or

simply not having enough food at all. According to these statistics, there is very big possibility that any

teacher may have a student suffering from this issue sitting in their class each day. Once teachers and

other members of school faculties are educated about this issue and it’s detrimental effects, that brings

us to the second step. Here is where ethical implications play a big role. Once a teacher or educator is

informed and knowledgeable on the area of this problem, they have a responsibility. They must use

their position in the classroom as a vehicle for awareness. A teacher should be constantly on the lookout

for a student not eating consistently.

This sort of issue is not only relegated to children, however. In a survey done on college

students in 2018, 42% of those surveyed reported experiencing food insecurity (El Zein et al., 2018).

Nowadays, A college education is no longer viewed as only an opportunity for financially or intellectually

privileged individuals, but also for those hoping to access better financial opportunities. Many students

experience economic hardships and financial stress that can translate into a budget with significant

essential bills (tuition, textbooks, housing), leaving a strain with respect to more flexible expenses, like

those allocated to consistent access to adequate and nutritious food . As such, food insecurity, or limited

consistent access to nutritionally adequate and safe food, has become a serious public health problem

affecting college students in the United States (El Zein et al., 2018). In this case, a large portion of the

social responsibility to prevent this problem is placed on the peers. Again, they must first be familiar

with the fact that this issue exists and then know to be aware from it.

The ethical problems in regard to finding a solution to this pervasive problem were enumerated

by a number of researchers. Karnaze (2018) has pointed out the issue that students who were provided

free food felt inferior and segregated from their classmates who had their own food to eat. The reason

for this is because schools tended to separate the students into two different areas of the lunchroom or

cafeteria. One area was reserved for those who were receiving free lunch courtesy of the school and

another section was for those who paid for their lunch, or bought their food from home. “The cafeteria

was for the poor kids,” one child observed, describing that “[k]ids who did not eat in the cafeteria were

embarrassed to go into it during lunch for fear that others would think they were getting a free or

discount[ed] lunch.” Another child observed that the “‘ghetto’ children[,] . . . mostly nonwhite

students[,] . . . were the ones who ate the free lunches.” At other schools, the “white kids ate upstairs

and Mexicans ate downstairs.” (Karnaze, 2018). In order for a solution to be ethical through and

through, this pervasive shame that students reported must be eliminated. This method of separating the
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students who were food insecure from those who were not is a band-aid type of solution. While it may

work temporarily, once students become aware of the differentiation the problem will resurface.

This shame in regard to food insecurity is not something relegated to elementary school, or

even high school. In a survey done on college students who were struggling with food insecurity, many

of them responded that they never reached out for help out of embarrassment (Zein et al., 2018). The

students surveyed reported being aware that there was a food pantry on campus. When asked why they

did not frequently or ever avail themselves of its services, the responses were all the same. The main

barrier preventing them from getting the help they so badly needed was the fear that other students

would find out and the resulting embarrassment they would suffer. The same students reported that

their grades took a downward spiral at the times that their food insecurity was most severe (Zein et al.,

2018). In order to properly solve this issue, students must be treated and helped in a way that they do

not feel singled out or separated from their peers.

Proposed Solution

The solution I am proposing to this problem is two pronged. The first step of the solution is not

necessarily possible in all cases. The first step being that parents of households that are suffering from

food insecurity be encouraged to inform the school of their situation. “An ounce of prevention is worth

a pound of cure”. The earlier the school or teacher is informed that the student is not receiving

adequate nutrition, the more damage can be mitigated and prevented. The effects of food insecurity are

swift and far reaching. Even the mildest, slightest form of food insecurity is directly associated with a

steep risk of poor, impaired cognitive, social, and emotional development of children younger than 3

years ( Chilton et al. 2009). If the parents or friends of the student in question inform the faculty early

on, the issues associated with food insecurity on an academic level can be avoided completely.
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Once the school is informed that a student is suffering from food insecurity, what is the correct

way to go about helping them? This issue is not a new one, and since students are affected on a

cognitive and academic level (Althoff et al., 2016) schools have been struggling to find a viable solution

to the issue of food insecurity for years already. The first issue is who is going to fund the free food? The

infrastructure for the solution already exists, due to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).  This is a

federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child

care institutions. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President

Harry Truman in 1946. This program ensures that all students receive at least one, fresh, hot meal each

day.

The first issue with the lunch program is that many students report feeling shame and

segregation in association with availing themselves of the school lunch program (Karnaze, 2018). To

address that, I propose that schools serve the same food as part of the lunch program and in the

school’s cafeterias. There is no reason why a student should be singled as the one eating the free lunch

because he or she received a different meal. If all the lunches are the same, free or purchased, than a

large part of the problem is alleviated, as the boundaries are blurred between who is food insecure and

those who are not.

The second issue with the lunch program is that for a student that is truly struggling from

serious food insecurity, one meal a day is not nearly enough. It is vital to remember, these students are

walking into school on empty stomachs and returning home to empty pantries. One meal a day may

quiet their grumbling stomachs temporarily, but as long-term solution, to ensure their academic success

it doesn’t have enough of an impact. Their grades and academic success are perched on the precipice of

food insecurity.
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To ensure that all students receive the nutrition they require, I propose food pantries on the

school’s grounds, or when talking about higher education, on college campuses. This proposal has been

mentioned by many lawmakers as an excellent solution to the issue of food insecurity, but has yet to be

adopted by the majority of academic institutions. In 2017, Texas lawmakers passed The Student Fairness

in Feeding Act, which allows schools to create food pantries. This allows a school to accept and store

food from its cafeteria that would otherwise be thrown away. As a side benefit, this also will prevent

unnecessary food wastage. I propose that this should be a practice that all schools and districts should

adopt. While the school pantry idea is taking off in some areas, it makes up a very small portion of food

distributed. Such programs account for only .5% of food distribution programs ( Weinfeld et al., 2014).

The benefits would be multifaceted, helping students extensively in so many areas. First of all,

The Student Fairness in Feeding Act established that food pantries would be available to all students,

whether they suffer from food insecurity or not. In order for students to be willing to take advantage of

the resources that a food pantry supplies them, the stigma and shame must be minimized as much as

possible. Additionally, once the food pantry is accessible to all students, more students are familiar with

the concept and even the fact that the food pantry exists. One of the big complaints that college

students had when surveyed about the food pantry on campus was that they simply had no idea that it

even existed (El Zein et al., 2018). Referring back to the first part of my solution, that parents be

encouraged to inform the school that they are suffering, once the faculty is aware they will let the

household know about the existence of the food pantry. This will ensure that the student and the

household avail themselves of the bounty they have open access to.

Once students receive the necessary food and nutrition their bodies require, the ensuing

academic issues will be alleviated to some extent immediately. In a study conducted on high school

students, a correlation between poor health and academic failure was shown (Needham et al. 2004).
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The study drew information from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a study using

representation from schools across the United States. Poor health, such as overall fatigue and frequent

illness were the biggest causes of low academic achievement. Students that are lacking adequate

nutrition will be lacking many essential nutrients that their bodies need to thrive. As a result, they will be

more susceptible to illness and weakness, which as mentioned by Needham et al. (2004), is one of the

primary causes of low academic achievement. Having a food pantry on school campuses will help to

ensure that students stay healthy and strong, thereby improving their chances of reaching their full

academic potential. More than the immediate relief food pantries will provide, the long- term effects

will be far-reaching. A student who is given the tools he or she needs to succeed in school is at an

advantage for life. A proper education is priceless, so it is of utmost importance to ensure that all

children be assisted when necessary to ensure their success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, based on much research, the major impact that food insecurity has on academic

success is quite clear. A student who is not provided with adequate nutrition is at serious risk of not

achieving and accomplishing in a scholastic sense. There are specific groups that are more vulnerable to

food insecurity, being familiar with this issue can help educators’ awareness and ensure that they are

proactive in finding a solution. Ethnic minorities frequently suffer from food insecurity, as well as

households being ran by single parents. An educator that is on guard will be able to save students from

the rapid downward spiral that follows food insecurity in it’s tracks. How will they save their students

from the clutches of hunger? The proposal that I discussed here is that of on campus food pantries. The

benefits of this solution are twofold. The first being that it spares school cafeterias from wasting healthy,

fresh and perfectly fine food. That benefit is a side perk, however. The real benefit lies within the fact
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that students are provided with additional food, aside from the lunches that they already receive, with

no stigma involved. As discussed earlier, many students reported feeling ashamed and hesitant to reach

out for help that they very badly needed. The solution of on campus food pantry will hopefully eliminate

that unnecessary suffering and embarrassment. How? By making the food available to all. Any student

who wishes to avail themselves of the bounty of free food available will be capable of doing so. This will

help students be aware that the pantry exists, since so many students will be using it. This will also help

solve the issue of shaming, since the pantry won’t only be a resource to those suffering from food

insecurity. Ultimately, the goal is to minimize the phenomenon of students being effected negatively by

food insecurity, allowing all to achieve their full scholastic potential.

References

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Chilton, M., & Rose, D. (2009). A rights-based approach to food insecurity in the United States. American

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0d3d31f6562b%40pdc-v-sessmgr03 better to use the DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.1002/pa.1864