Food Security in a College Community: Assessing Availability, Access, and Consumption Patterns in a Mexican Context

Wendy Jannette Ascencio-López, María Teresa Zayas-Pérez, Ricardo Munguía-Pérez, Guadalupe Virginia Nevárez-Moorillón, Manuel Huerta-Lara, María del Carmen Guadalupe Avelino-Flores, Teresa Soledad Cid-Pérez and Raúl Avila-Sosa ()
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Wendy Jannette Ascencio-López: Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Cuidad Universitaria, Puebla 72570, Mexico
María Teresa Zayas-Pérez: Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Cuidad Universitaria, Puebla 72570, Mexico
Ricardo Munguía-Pérez: Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Cuidad Universitaria, Puebla 72570, Mexico
Guadalupe Virginia Nevárez-Moorillón: Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Cuidad Universitaria, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico
Manuel Huerta-Lara: Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Cuidad Universitaria, Puebla 72570, Mexico
María del Carmen Guadalupe Avelino-Flores: Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Cuidad Universitaria, Puebla 72570, Mexico
Teresa Soledad Cid-Pérez: Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Cuidad Universitaria, Puebla 72570, Mexico
Raúl Avila-Sosa: Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Cuidad Universitaria, Puebla 72570, Mexico

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 9, 1-16

Abstract: Food security among college students is an increasing concern, with potential implications for their health, academic performance, and future well-being. This study investigated food security within a college community in Mexico, focusing on food availability, access (both economic and physical), and consumption patterns. A mixed-methods approach was employed at Ciudad Universitaria, BUAP, Mexico, between 2023 and 2024. Stratified random sampling was used, resulting in a final sample of 606 students. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic characteristics and eating habits, the ELCSA, structured cafeteria observations, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and three focus groups. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests ( p < 0.05). Post hoc analysis with Bonferroni adjustment confirmed that origin ( p = 0.0017), mode of transportation ( p = 2.31 × 10 −5 ) and private vehicles ( p = 1.77 × 10 −5 ) were the key determinants. Although the environment offered a variety of options, processed and ultra-processed products dominated the food choices. A total of 95.9% of students purchased food on campus, yet only 21.8% reported engaging in healthy eating habits. Focus groups revealed that students’ food choices were influenced by availability, access, and perceptions of affordability and convenience. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve food security and promote healthier dietary practices within the college setting.

Keywords: food security; food access and availability; environmental health; higher education; dietary patterns; México (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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