FOOD INSECURITY AND COPING STRATEGIES OF STUDENTS IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Food insecurity is a serious challenge affecting the wellbeing and academic performance of students, thus, this study investigated the  prevalence, academic  impacts,  and  coping  strategies associated with  food  insecurity among  100 undergraduates in higher institutions across Anambra State, Nigeria. Using the HFIAS-18 scale and structured questionnaires, the research examined a gender-balanced sample (mean age 22.61 ± 2.34 years) experiencing significant economic vulnerability, with 75% being family-funded and a mean monthly income of ?73,150. Findings revealed a high food insecurity prevalence of 68% (28% mild, 25% moderate, and 15% severe). Multiple linear regression confirmed that food insecurity is a significant negative predictor of academic performance (R² = -0.462, p = 0.003), explaining 49.2% of the variance in CGPA. Additionally, 79% of students reported disrupted concentration due to nutritional deficiencies. Predominant coping strategies included choosing cheaper foods (84%), rationing portions (65%), and skipping meals (65%); however, only 77% found these measures somewhat effective, and food bank utilization remained remarkably low at 7%. Chi-square tests  confirmed that  lower income significantly predicts higher food insecurity (p  =  0.002).  The study recommends establishing institutional food assistance programs, such as campus pantries and meal vouchers, to enhance student well-being and academic equity.