Food insecurity amongst UK university students in 2021: impacts on mental health and UPF consumption

<p dir="ltr">Objective: This study explores the interconnections between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, mental wellbeing, and food insecurity among UK university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: A cross-sectional, anonymised online survey was administered between May and July 2021, capturing student experiences between Stage 2 and 3 of UK Government’s Roadmap out of lockdown Setting: UK higher education institutions. Participants: University students aged 18 and over (n=948) were recruited via snowball sampling across multiple UK universities. Results: Nearly half (48%) of respondents were food insecure, with international students disproportionately affected. Structural Equation Modelling revealed significant associations between food insecurity and lower mental wellbeing (β=−0.27, p<0.01), whilst UPF consumption was not directly linked to mental wellbeing. Students with greater parental financial support reported higher mental wellbeing and greater UPF consumption. Employment status and income were also associated with food insecurity and dietary patterns. The average mental wellbeing score (21.02) was lower than national norms, and UPF consumption was high across the sample (mean score: 5.4). Qualitative responses highlighted affordability, seasonal financial strain, and COVID-19-related disruptions as key barriers to healthy eating. Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted food policy and practice, student food insecurity monitoring, and university-level interventions to address student food insecurity and its mental health impacts. Universities should develop a UK University food security charter, as well as adopting a Whole-University approach to wellbeing and food insecurity, including improved access to nutritious food, improved curricular, and financial support mechanisms.</p>