What's for Dinner? An Analysis of the Impact College Meal Plans Have on Student Food Choice

Objective: The main objective of this analysis is to review existing literature and data relating to student food choice. Little research has been conducted within the United States on factors that impact these food choices, specifically a much-overlooked college meal plans many university students participate in. A broader look at how all these influences fit together is necessary to fully understand how students make food choices.
Method: A cross-sectional review of existing research about student food choice was considered and sourced from recent articles in peer-reviewed journals. Specific areas of study identified as having an impact of food choice included meal plans, nutrition and diet quality, weight management, purchasing behavior, student knowledge, eating habits and food security. Each area was evaluated based on available research and how it may coincide with meal plans to affect student food choices. Recommendations for future studies were made regarding gaps in existing research.
Conclusion: There are several factors that influence student food choices and none that stand alone. These factors must instead be considered in conjunction with one another. The implication of meal plans is largely unknown, yet students across the country at different universities participate in them every year. Further research is needed on how meal plans may create a type of food desert or food insecurity for students who live on campus and depend on the meal plan. It is possible the meal plan not only restricts student options but those students who live on campus may be especially affected due to an inability to obtain healthy food after hours or on weekends.