Perceptions of the College Campus Food Environment: A Medium-Sized Southern USA University

Background Food security (FS) is a major problem for colleges, with food insecurity averaging 20–40% among United States (US) college students. Yet few studies have explored campus food environments and their relationship with FS.Purpose This study assessed satisfaction of a medium-sized, southern US university’s students with the food environment on all 3 campuses, comparing FS status with satisfaction with the environment.Methods Food environment and FS surveys were emailed to all students. Satisfaction with aspects of campus food environments (accessibility of food; accessibility of healthy food; affordability; cultural acceptability) were evaluated using one-way ANOVA. FS status and its relation to satisfaction were explored. Factors impacting food selection were ranked. Results were shared with stakeholders.Results Among 617 students responding, students on the suburban campus reported greater satisfaction compared to smaller, urban campuses (p < .001 for both). Students with very low FS had overall lower satisfaction (p = .009). Stakeholder discussions led to developing potential policies and implementation of additional food options on campus.Discussion Smaller campuses may struggle more with making healthy, affordable food available to students. Working with stakeholders can improve campus food environments.Translation to Health Education Practice Health educators in higher education should work with stakeholders to promote availability and consumption of healthful foods.A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars