Assessing the nexus between food (in)security and student academic success among university students: A systematic review

Despite the pervasiveness of Food Insecurity (FI) in Higher Education Institutions (HEI), its effects on student success are still not well understood. It is evidenced from studies conducted in HEIs that students report FI as negatively impacting their ability to learn; however, limited studies have objectively explored the nexus between FI and student academic success, and worse still, the scant literature lacks consensus. The extent of FI in HEIs is unknown, which makes this study important, and this will help policymakers set plans to better support students in all areas of their well-being. Using systematic literature review methods, the study assesses research conducted on the relationship between FI and academic success to consolidate the knowledge, demarcate the research gap, and make recommendations for further inquiry and/or policy. The study found that FI is in different forms and is rampant among higher education students, disproportionately affecting those from lower-income households even when receiving financial aid. The results have implications on practice, in that they indicate the need to complement financial aid with advisement and training on financial literacy, as well as food and nutrition workshops, to enhance student purchasing choices and food preparation skills.