Introduction

 A Growing Crisis Among International Students

International students face unique challenges in their host countries—distance from family, cultural adaptation, and financial constraints. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, these challenges intensified dramatically, creating a serious food insecurity crisis that affected millions of students worldwide.

Recent research reveals a troubling reality.

Food insecurity among international students studying in Turkey increased from 74.7% before the pandemic to 81.2% during COVID-19. This statistic represents more than just numbers; it reflects the genuine struggles of young people trying to pursue education while facing hunger and nutritional inadequacy.

What Is Food Insecurity? Understanding the Concept

Food insecurity refers to the inability to consistently access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food needed for an active and healthy life. It’s a serious public health concern that extends beyond simple hunger—it encompasses physical, social, and economic dimensions of well-being.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization defines food security as having reliable access to adequate food that meets dietary needs and preferences. When this access is disrupted, individuals experience food insecurity, which can lead to malnutrition, poor academic performance, mental health issues, and chronic diseases.

Food insecurity exists on a spectrum:

• High food security: No concerns about accessing food
• Marginal food security: Minor concern, but still able to maintain adequate nutrition
• Low food security: Dietary compromises occur; less nutritious foods replace healthy options
• Very low food security: Severe disruptions to eating patterns; actual hunger may occur

Why International Students Face Higher Food Insecurity Risk

International students represent one of the most vulnerable populations for food insecurity. Several factors contribute to this elevated risk:

Financial Constraints and Higher Education Costs

International students typically pay higher tuition fees than domestic students—sometimes two to three times more. Combined with living expenses in a foreign country, this financial burden significantly limits their food budget. Many international students must work part-time jobs with restricted hours, making it difficult to earn sufficient income for basic necessities.

Unfamiliar Food Environments and Cultural Barriers

Moving to a new country means adapting to different foods, cooking styles, and food shopping systems. International students may struggle to find affordable foods they recognize or know how to prepare. Language barriers can complicate shopping and meal planning. Additionally, foods familiar and affordable in their home countries may be expensive or unavailable in their host country, forcing compromises on diet quality.

Restricted Employment Opportunities

Many countries limit work hours for international students or restrict employment types. This limitation reduces income opportunities and increases financial vulnerability, especially during crises when employment may disappear entirely.

Geographic Isolation and Social Networks

International students often live away from support systems, family networks, and community resources that might help during financial hardship. They may lack access to informal food assistance or community food banks that primarily serve citizens.

The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Turning Point for Food Insecurity

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for international students globally. Several pandemic-specific factors worsened food insecurity:

Campus Closures and Housing Disruptions

Universities closed dormitories during lockdowns, forcing students to find alternative housing. Many international students couldn’t return home due to travel restrictions, job losses, or economic difficulties. Some faced sudden housing insecurity, compounding their food insecurity challenges.

Economic Collapse and Income Loss

Lockdowns destroyed casual employment opportunities that many international students relied upon. Part-time jobs in hospitality, retail, and service sectors disappeared overnight. The pandemic caused job losses affecting not just the students but also their families, reducing financial support from home.

Supply Chain Disruptions and Food Price Inflation

Pandemic-related supply chain disruptions increased food prices globally. Panic buying and hoarding created temporary food shortages. Inflation in developing countries made food even less affordable for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Limited Access to Food Services

Campus food facilities, subsidized meal programs, and student dining services were reduced or closed. Students lost access to affordable meals that universities typically provided.

Isolation and Reduced Access to Community Resources

Lockdowns isolated students from community centers, food banks, and informal support networks. Social distancing measures limited their ability to share meals or seek assistance from friends and neighbors.

Research Findings: Food Insecurity Among International Students in Turkey

A comprehensive 2025 study published in BMC Public Health examined food insecurity among 451 international university students in Turkey before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings provide crucial insights:

Prevalence of Food Insecurity

• Before COVID-19: 74.7% of international students experienced food insecurity ty.
• During COVID-19, 81.2% experienced food insecurity
• Change: A 6.5% increase during the pandemic period
• Mean food insecurity score: Increased from 4.8 (pre-pandemic) to 5.2 (pandemic period)

This high baseline prevalence—even before the pandemic—demonstrates that international students face endemic food insecurity challenges regardless of global crises.

Geographic Variations

Food insecurity rates varied significantly by students’ home regions:

• African students: 87.3% experienced food insecurity
• Asian students: 77.4% experienced food insecurity
• European students: 54.6% experienced food insecurity

Students from African countries faced significantly higher food insecurity rates, likely reflecting lower socioeconomic conditions in their home countries and reduced family financial support during the pandemic.

Parental Education and Food Security

A surprising finding emerged regarding parental education levels:

• Students whose fathers completed only primary school had higher food insecurity rates
• Students whose fathers completed university education had a better food security status

This finding highlights how family socioeconomic background—indicated by parental education—influences international students’ ability to access food and financial support.

Weight Changes During the Pandemic

The research revealed concerning physical health impacts:

• Food-insecure students: 33.3% lost weight during the pandemic
• Food-secure students: 44.7% experienced no weight change

Weight loss among food-insecure students indicates severe nutritional deficiency and undernutrition during the critical period.

Dietary Habit Changes: How Food Insecurity Altered Eating Patterns

The pandemic created striking differences in dietary changes between food-insecure and food-secure students:

Healthy Food Consumption Decreased

Students experiencing food insecurity significantly reduced their consumption of:

• Red meat, chicken, and fish: Protein sources are often more expensive than cheaper alternatives
• Milk and dairy products: Nutritious but costly foods replaced with cheaper options
• Fresh vegetables: Often more expensive than processed foods
• Fresh fruits: Seasonal and expensive foods are abandoned for budget reasons
• Legumes: Protein-rich foods are purchased less frequently
• Whole cereals: Whole grains replaced with cheaper refined grains
• Dried nuts: Nutritious snacks are too expensive for food-insecure students

Unhealthy Food Consumption Increased

Simultaneously, food-insecure students consumed more:

• Fast food and fried products: Cheaper and require no preparation
• Soft drinks and sugary beverages: More affordable than nutritious alternatives
• Processed foods: Extended shelf life and lower cost appealed to students managing tight budgets

Nutritional Deficiencies and Malnutrition

Reduced consumption of protein, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products creates nutritional gaps. Students may consume sufficient calories through cheap, processed foods, but lack essential micronutrients like:

• Vitamin A (from vegetables and dairy)
• Vitamin C (from fruits and vegetables)
• Iron (from meat, legumes, and fortified grains)
• Calcium (from dairy products)
• B vitamins (from whole grains and meat)

These deficiencies impair immune function, slow wound healing, and reduce energy levels.

Academic Performance Decline

Food insecurity directly impacts academic success. Hungry or undernourished students struggle with:

• Concentration and focus during classes
• Memory retention and cognitive function
• Energy levels needed for studying
• Attendance due to health problems or the need to work

Research consistently shows that food-insecure students have lower grade point averages and higher dropout rates.

Mental Health Challenges

The stress of food insecurity manifests as:

• Anxiety about accessing sufficient food
• Depression related to financial stress and isolation
• Psychological distress affects overall well-being
• Sleep disturbances from stress and insufficient nutrition

Studies show international students experiencing food insecurity have significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to food-secure peers.

Physical Health Problems

Chronic food insecurity contributes to:

• Increased susceptibility to infections due to weakened immunity
• Weight loss and associated complications
• Dental problems from poor nutrition
• Increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension
• Poor wound healing and slower recovery from illness

Economic Factors Worsening Food Insecurity

The research identified specific economic changes during the pandemic that worsened food insecurity:

Reduced Financial Support from Families

Many international students depend on family financial support. The pandemic’s economic impact reduced family income in their home countries, resulting in:

• Decreased or eliminated remittances from families
• Reduced scholarship support from home countries
• Loss of family business income affects support capacity

Increased Percentage of Income Spent on Food

The proportion of students reporting that their monthly income allocation for food was “low or very low” increased significantly during the pandemic. Students forced to choose between food, housing, and education often prioritized housing to maintain enrollment.

Lower Overall Economic Status

Students self-reporting their economic status as “low or very low” increased substantially during the pandemic, indicating worsening financial situations across the student population.

Limited Employment Opportunities

The pandemic’s economic collapse eliminated many part-time job opportunities international students relied upon, directly reducing available food budgets.

Practical Solutions: Addressing Food Insecurity

University-Level Interventions

Universities can implement evidence-based programs:

• Campus food pantries: Providing free groceries to food-insecure students
• Emergency meal plans: Quick meal provision during crises
• Subsidized dining programs: Reducing meal costs for low-income students
• Nutrition education: Teaching affordable, healthy meal preparation
• Increased scholarship support: Direct financial assistance for international students
• Work-study opportunities: Creating on-campus employment for students

Government and Policy Solutions

Effective policy approaches include:

• Extended financial aid eligibility: Including international students in government assistance programs
• Emergency support funding: Rapid response funding for crisis periods
• Reduced tuition fees: Making education more financially accessible
• Work authorization flexibility: Allowing students additional employment hours
• Food price regulation: Controlling inflation in basic food staples

Individual Strategies for Students

While systemic solutions are essential, students can:

• Budget meal planning: Planning meals to maximize nutrition within budget constraints
• Cook at home: Preparing meals is cheaper than buying prepared foods
• Buy in bulk: Purchasing staple foods in larger quantities reduces per-unit costs
• Seek available resources: Accessing campus food pantries and community assistance
• Join student cooperatives: Sharing meal preparation with roommates
• Build community: Creating support networks among international students for food sharing

The Importance of Cultural Competency

Addressing food insecurity among international students requires cultural understanding:

Recognizing Dietary Preferences

Different cultures have distinct food preferences and dietary practices. Food assistance programs should include:

• Diverse food options reflecting various cultural cuisines
• Recognition of religious dietary requirements
• Understanding of traditional foods is important for cultural identity

Language-Accessible Support

Information about food assistance should be:

• Available in multiple languages
• Culturally appropriate in marketing and presentation
• Delivered through channels, international students have access

Conclusion: Food Security as a Human Right

Food insecurity among international students represents more than a personal hardship—it’s a violation of the human right to adequate food and nutrition. Every student deserves the ability to focus on education without worrying about their next meal. The research on international students in Turkey, Australia, France, Hungary, and around the world demonstrates a clear reality: international students are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic worsened this vulnerability, and current support systems remain inadequate.