When thinking of the college experience, a downside that comes to mind for many is the commonly experienced food insecurity: the
result of a plethora of causes, most notably financial troubles and busy schedules.

According to recent studies amongst college students, a poor diet that lacks nutritious foods can often lead to poor academic performance.

College is a time of transitioning into adulthood and gaining independence; however, a big issue that is prevalent among is lacking a nutritious and healthy diet. Even in high school, people often brush aside eating healthily.

There are multiple reasons for poor eating habits in college. Students lack the funds to purchase healthy and affordable meals. They also may be unaware that they qualify for food assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and do not have access to appliances to reheat their food.

Time is also a big factor, with classes and other responsibilities reducing the time available to curate a homemade meal. According to College Board, a student on average spends $30,990 at a public college, and $65,470 at a private college throughout the academic year solely on tuition, books, housing, and transportation fees. With costs already being drastically pricey, there is not  much left for students to spend on healthy meal choices.

Another issue that restricts college students from eating nutritiously includes generational patterns. Particular students may descend from generations that have struggled with maintaining healthy diets, causing current generations to follow these habits. This includes skipping meals and eating mainly processed foods.

Former Riordan student and current UC Berkeley student, Siddharth “Sid” Thomas ’25, does not consume three nutritious and healthy meals daily. He explained, “The cost – class meal plans only cover two meals per day. The taste – lack of variable nutritious options mean less healthy consumption. The time – getting to and from places with available food can take too much time on some busy days.”

Another former Riordan student and current UC San Diego student, Moon Lin ’25, described the lack of convenience in maintaining a substantial, balanced diet. “It depends on my schedule. This quarter I don’t have classes until 2 p.m., so I just wake up an hour before, which leaves me with two meals a day. Other days, I’m tired of dining hall food… It’s not that I don’t have time, it’s just inconvenient.”

Adding on to this struggle, in October 2025 during the government shutdown, SNAP was temporarily ended, forcing numerous college students to find alternative means of getting food. Many colleges offer food pantries and other benefits, but it differs based on the funding of private schools and public schools.

It’s important to remember that there are consequences to skipping meals. It does not only affect mental function regarding education, but also physical and overall health.

Current senior class counselor David Canales ’02 explained, “Your nutrition is tied to everything. Bad nutrition can translate into all sorts of decline. It can affect your energy, which can affect your attitude, your mood, and your sleep pattern, all of which have notable effects.”

Food insecurity among college students continues to be a prevalent issue, which often lacks awareness among communities. Many note that when considering the college experience in America, it is worthwhile to begin creating solutions to this issue in order to provide students with adequate nutrition and health.