"More than Hunger": Experiences of Food Insecurity Among South Asian International Graduate Students at a U.S. University.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: International students pursuing higher education in the United States face unique challenges that increase their risk of food insecurity, including limited financial resources, employment restrictions, and cultural barriers. While food insecurity among domestic students has been widely studied, limited research focuses on the lived experiences of international graduate students. This study explores the challenges, perceptions, and coping strategies related to food insecurity among international graduate students at a large public university in North Texas.

METHODS

This qualitative, ethnographic study involved 20 semi-structured interviews with international graduate students who were clients of the university's food pantry. Participants were recruited using purposive convenience sampling. Interviews focused on students' experiences with food access, financial constraints, campus resources, and cultural food preferences. Data were analyzed using thematic coding in MAXQDA. Two standardized food insecurity measures-the USDA and FAO scales-were also administered and analyzed using SPSS.

RESULTS

Findings revealed that 85% of participants experienced limited access to nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, with 70% reporting hunger due to financial constraints. Themes included lack of cooking skills, limited campus food options, difficulty accessing familiar groceries, and limited job opportunities. Students expressed that food insecurity significantly impacted their physical health, mental well-being, and social lives, though many continued to prioritize academics over personal nourishment.

CONCLUSIONS

Food insecurity among international graduate students is multifaceted, shaped by financial, cultural, and institutional barriers. Addressing this issue requires culturally sensitive interventions, improved access to diverse food options, tailored student support services, and institutional efforts to better understand and meet the needs of international students.