Five Critical Facts about Men of Color and Food Insecurity in Community Colleges (2021)

The issue brief by J. Luke Wood and Frank Harris III presents crucial insights into the prevalence and impact of food insecurity among men of color in community colleges. Drawing on data from the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), the brief highlights the disproportionate rates of food insecurity among these students and its detrimental effects on their academic and personal lives.

Main Takeaways:

• Higher Rates Among Men of Color: Men of color, especially Black and multiethnic men, report higher rates of acute food insecurity compared to their peers, with Black men experiencing the highest rates at 17.1%.
• Impact on Academic Progress: Food insecurity is linked to lower rates of being on track to meet educational goals. The gap is particularly pronounced among Asian men, where those experiencing food insecurity report significantly lower progress.
• Associated Stress: Food insecurity significantly contributes to stress, with Black and multiethnic men reporting the highest levels of stress due to food insecurity.
• Co-occurrence with Other Insecurities: Food insecurity often occurs alongside other challenges such as housing insecurity, amplifying the difficulties faced by these students.
• Overrepresentation in Developmental Math: Food-insecure men are disproportionately enrolled in developmental math courses, which can delay their progress towards degree completion.