Get the facts on basic needs insecurity: Answering 3 key questions about basic needs insecurity on college campuses (content warning)
What is basic needs insecurity?
Basic needs refer to the everyday things that people need to survive and lead healthy, fulfilled lives. These necessities include nutritious food, safe and secure shelter, water, and personal care items. Other examples of basic needs can include access to technology, transportation, healthcare, childcare, and more.
Barriers to accessing basic needs security are rooted in oppression and discrimination, not individual behaviors or factors. As a result, underserved and under-resourced communities are more likely to experience basic needs insecurity.
Why is it important to talk about basic needs insecurity on college campuses?
Meeting basic needs is foundational for health and wellbeing. For example, if a student hasn’t eaten, doesn’t know where their next meal will come from, or doesn’t have a safe place to return home to, it can understandably be extremely hard to focus on coursework, extracurriculars, and other college experiences.
Students should be able to thrive and focus on their education, wellness, and personal development while in school. Unfortunately, research demonstrates that many students struggle with basic needs insecurity on a regular basis.
Many students experiencing general basic needs insecurity struggle with food insecurity, housing insecurity, and even homelessness, all while trying to juggle classes, jobs, and other responsibilities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, 58% of students reported experiencing basic needs insecurity. 14% of students reported experiencing homelessness.
Most students experiencing basic needs insecurity are employed, typically in low-wage positions. Students experiencing basic needs insecurity also tend to work more hours per week.
Students of color, students with children, LGBTQ+ students, and first-generation students all experience disproportionate rates of basic needs insecurity.
What is the impact of experiencing basic needs insecurity?
Students experiencing basic needs insecurity are more likely to struggle with academic performance. They are also more likely to experience negative mental and physical health outcomes. Specifically, students experiencing basic needs insecurity may experience higher levels of depression, stress, and anxiety. Overall, there are a variety of implications for students’ health and wellbeing.
To summarize…
- Basic needs insecurity is widespread on college campuses
- Basic needs insecurity disproportionately affects students from under-resourced communities
- Basic needs insecurity has a major impact on student health and wellbeing
If you or someone you know is experiencing food and/or basic need insecurity, Buckeye Food Alliance (BFA), the on-campus food pantry, is available to all students. BFA does not require proof of need and does not collect any financial information. Students only need a valid BuckID to access the pantry. BFA is located in Lincoln Tower, Suite 150. BFA is currently offering online ordering and can be reached at 614-688-2508. The Student Advocacy Center also offers financial assistance, including the Student Emergency Fund.
References:
- https://feed.georgetown.edu/access-affordability/survey-finds-3-in-5-college-students-report-basic-needs-insecurity/
- https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/bitstream/handle/10919/83028/HungryAndHomelessInCollege.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
- https://www.insidehighered.com/sites/default/server_files/media/HOPE_realcollege_National_report_EMBARGOED%20UNTIL%20APRIL%2030%203%20AM%20EST%20(1).pdf
- https://hope4college.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/RCReport2021.pdf
- https://temple-news.com/hope-center-reports-on-students-basic-needs-insecurity-during-pandemic/
- https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/homeless-student-guide/
-Lucy Hennon, Graduate Student Assistant