Abstract

This article examines the issue of food insecurity in higher education in Quebec, focusing on the CEGEP context. The aim of this contribution is twofold. First, to explore the situation of food security in a sample of CEGEPs and identify student profiles that are at greater risk of experiencing food insecurity. Second, to assess the impact of food insecurity on variables that are not generally considered in this type of analysis: self-efficacy and academic satisfaction. Based on data from a questionnaire survey conducted on a sample of 2,127 CEGEP students enrolled in six colleges in the fall of 2024, the analyses reveal that 43.9% of participants experience some form of food insecurity and that certain student profiles are at greater risk. The findings on self-efficacy and academic satisfaction suggest that food insecurity influences these two variables: students experiencing food insecurity report both lower satisfaction with their studies and a reduced sense of self-efficacy. Further research that considers the diversity of local realities of institutions, adopts a longitudinal approach, and uses a food well-being analysis framework is necessary to better understand the overall relationship between CEGEP students and their diet.