The ImpactLab has partnered with the UNT Dean of Students and the Division of Student Affairs to understand basic needs insecurity among UNT students. Basic needs insecurity among college students refers to the challenges many students face in reliably accessing essentials such as food, safe and stable housing, transportation, healthcare, childcare, and adequate technology. Research across the United States shows that these unmet needs are common and can significantly affect students’ academic performance, mental and physical health, and likelihood of staying enrolled and graduating. When students are worried about where their next meal will come from, how they will pay rent, or whether they can access reliable internet or medical care, it becomes harder to focus on coursework and fully participate in campus life. By understanding basic needs insecurity, UNT will have insights to support addressing these needs and creating environments where all students have the foundation they need to succeed and thrive.

Projects

Basic Needs at UNT Survey

This ongoing project investigates the prevalence of basic needs insecurity among all UNT students. A prevalence study provides essential baseline data that guides follow-up projects and interventions in the areas of greatest concern. Topics of insecurity concern include food, housing, transportation, healthcare, childcare, and technology.

Impact and Recommendations

*forthcoming

Faculty Affiliates

Graduate Student Affiliates

Food Insecurity among International Graduate Students

International graduate students in the U.S. face heightened risks of food insecurity due to financial constraints, employment restrictions, and cultural barriers. This qualitative study included interviews with international graduate students who used the campus food pantry. Results showed that most participants struggled to access nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, often experiencing hunger and stress that affected their well-being and academic performance. Findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive interventions, improved access to diverse food options, and institutional support tailored to international students’ unique circumstances.

Impact and Recommendations

      • Develop support programs informed by local challenges and the food insecurity experiences of international students.
      • Provide tailored financial counseling, budgeting workshops, and guidance on navigating U.S. financial systems.
      • Improve food access by:
        • Offering culturally diverse meal options in dining services
        • Increasing cultural food options and fresh items in food pantries
        • Improving pantry hours and accessibility
      • Provide practical support resources, including:
        • Time-management training
        • Transportation guides
        • Information on ethnic grocery stores
        • Cooking workshops
      • Create comprehensive, in-person orientation programs addressing cultural adjustment, academics, finances, transportation, and food access.
      • Use peer-led workshops and mentorship programs pairing new students with international peers who have been in the U.S. longer.
      • Normalize discussions around food insecurity to reduce stigma and increase help-seeking.

Faculty Affiliates

Graduate Student Affiliates

      • Eva Perez Zepeda 

Publications

Henry, Lisa, Doug Henry, and Eva Perez Zepeda. 2025. “More than Hunger”: Experiences of Food Insecurity Among South Asian International Graduate Students at a U.S. University. Nutrients 17, no. 15: 2508. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152508

 

Questions and inquiries: ImpactLab@unt.edu