Food Insecurity in Young Adults in

Washtenaw County, Michigan

Tahiya Alam
University of Michigan School of Public Health
Human Nutrition

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As rising loan rates continue to plague students1, another area of concern has been growing for
young adults in the United States who are pursuing higher education food access. Costs
associated with obtaining a higher degree make budget cuts necessary for young adults. As their
pockets tighten, students compromise their health and well being by spending less on food, often
purchasing cheaper alternatives to fresh fruits and vegetables. This form of food insecurity is
often overlooked, as it does not hold to the traditional use of the word. The general population
often perceives food insecure households as those that are unable to access enough food to meet
their caloric requirements. However, the actual definition of food insecurity incorporates
households that have limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate and safe foods2. This
definition takes into account the dietary requirements along with the caloric needs of an
individual. Thus people who are meeting their caloric requirements through energy dense but
nutritionally poor foods can also be considered insecure3. According to the USDA, roughly
14.3% of households in the U.S were considered food insecure sometime in the past year4. Even
more concerning is the fact that studies have found that the college student demographic has an
even higher prevalence of food insecurity than that of the general population of the United
States2, 5, 6.
Central to this idea is the fact that adults in their early twenties are more likely to pick fast food
restaurants due to constraints on time and budget. Many college students may not even be aware
of how nutritionally insecure they are due to poor knowledge of dietary recommendations and
nutritional needs. While young adults are increasing their caloric intake of cheap and processed
foods, they are neglecting to increase their physical activity to account for the amassing calories.
In 2011, about 30% of young adults aged 18 to 24 met the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines1.
Stress coupled with a lack of time for extracurricular activities can further strengthen the cycle of
overconsumption and inactivity.
However, due to high perceived stigma of receiving food assistance, many students are unlikely
to reach out to services that might help with food security. Unsurprisingly, the lack of
remediation can have negative consequences on the academic performance of a student2. This
nutritional assessment will be examining the need for interventions to improve the access of
nutritionally adequate foods for young adults in Washtenaw County, Michigan. 1 in 7 people in
Washtenaw County can be considered food insecure7.

Demographics
Washtenaw County is located in the southeastern part of the state of Michigan. According to a
recent 2013 US Census Bureau estimate, the population of the county is around 354,2408. The
population is split in about half in terms of male and female reported genders (Table 1). As a
result of the six institutions of higher education in Washtenaw county9, there is a large portion of
young adults in the county as represented by Figure 1. This influx of out of state residents also
leads to a rather racially diverse community in the county (table 2). The number of degree
granting institutions also has an impact to the overall education level of the county. The data
from the 2010 Health Improvement Plan of Washtenaw County (HIP) accounts over 30% of
Washtenaws population as having some college education (Figure 2). For the purpose of this
assessment, we will assume that this percentage reflects the population that is currently pursuing
a degree.

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Table 1: Gender Distribution in Washtenaw County (US. Census Bureau, 2013)

Gender
Percent
Female
50.7%
Male

49.3%

Figure 1: Population Distribution in Washtenaw County (US. Census Bureau, 2010)

Population Distribution
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
<5 years

5 - 14 years

15 - 29 years 30 -44 years 45 - 59 years

>60 years

Table 2: Race Distribution of Washtenaw County (US. Census Bureau, 2010)

Race
Percent of Total Population
White
74.5%
Black or African American
12.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
7.9%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
0.0004%
Some Other Race
1.2%
Two or More Races
3.4%

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Figure 2: Education Distribution (Washtenaw County Public Health Department, 2010)

Education
50%
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Less than High School

High School Grad

Some College

College Grad

The economic state of Washtenaw County can be considered better than the overall state of
Michigan when looking at income per household (Figure 3). However, when focusing on the
student population of Washtenaw County, the economic disparities that can exist due to
unemployment rates becomes more obvious. Around 45% of the college-aged individuals (18
24 years) are shown to be unemployed by Figure 4. Washtenaw County has roughly the same
level of persons below the poverty level as the United States at around 14.6%4, 7. Table 3 shows
the rough breakdown of the occupation industries in Washtenaw County as estimated by the
American Community Survey. Although these statistics seem hopeful for the county in its
entirety, the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics reports that households
headed by a young adult on their own are 42% more likely to experience cost burdens1. These
statistics have important implications when looking at the health status of the young adult
population in Washtenaw County.

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Figure 3: Economic State of Washtenaw County and Michigan (U.S Census Bureau. 2010)
$70,000
$60,000
$50,000
$40,000
Washtenaw County
$30,000

Michigan

$20,000
$10,000
$0
Per capita money for past year

Median Household Income

Figure 4: Employment by age group (Washtenaw County Public Health Department, 2010)
70%
60%
50%
40%

18-24
25-34

30%

35-49

20%
10%
0%
Employed

Self-Employed

Out of Work

Student

Unable to work

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Table 3: Occupation Distribution (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008 2012)

Occupation
Percent
Management, Business, Sciences and Arts
34.2%
Service
18.6%
Sales and Office
24.8%
Natural Resources, Construction and
7.9%
Maintenance
Production, Transportation and Material
14.6%
Moving

Health Statistics
In order to understand the health implications of food access on nutritionally insecure
populations, it is important to look at the health statistics within a community. Diet can be an
underlying cause or catalyst to many of the leading causes of death in the state of Michigan, such
as heart disease and cancer (Figure 5). Compared to the state statistics, Washtenaw County has
lower mortality statistics for most of the leading causes of death. For the age group of 25 years
and under, heart disease and cancer are in the top five causes of death in the state of Michigan
(Table 4). This information has important implications for dietary interventions as high blood
pressure, high cholesterol and being overweight are just some of the risk factors of heart
disease10.
The HIP data from 2010 provides further evidence for the need of a dietary intervention for the
university population. About 30% of the population represented for the age brackets of 18 to 24
years and 25 to 34 years are overweight (Figure 6). Furthermore, the trends in the data show that
as age increases, so does the likelihood of being overweight or obese. By providing young adults
with nutritional interventions, the burden of disease caused by weight status also be lightened.

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Figure 5: Leading Causes of Death (Michigan Department of Community Health, 2012)

Suicide
Pneumonia/Flu
Kidney Disease
Diebetes Mellitus
Alzheimer's
Accidents
Stroke
Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases
Cancer
Heart Disease
0%

5%

10%

Michigan

15%

20%

25%

30%

Washtenaw County

Table 4: Leading Causes of Death by Age Washtenaw County (Michigan Department of

Community Health, 2012)
Cause of
Death
Heart Disease
Cancer
Chronic Lower
Respiratory
Disease
Stroke
Unintentional
Injuries
Alzheimers
Disease
Diabetes
Mellitus
Kidney
Disease
Pneumonia/Infl
uenza
Intentional
Self-Harm

Under 25
Years
43
94
10

25-54
Years
1,832
2,161
191

55-64
Years
2,589
4,073
558

65-74
Years
3,666
5,275
1,264

75-84
Years
5,702
5,448
1,785

85+ Years

12
557

240
1,432

372
436

575
342

1,205
413

1,995
624

39

174

877

1,967

13

238

410

563

765

695

89

146

266

468

611

12

100

115

186

434

715

197

674

204

83

60

37

9,400
3,452
1,445

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Figure 6: Weight Status by Age (Washtenaw County Public Health Department, 2010)
70%
60%
50%
40%

18-24 years
25-34 years

30%

35-49 years

20%
10%
0%
Underweight

Normal Weight

Overweight

Obese

Nutritional Assessment Data

To further understand the nutritional state of young adults in Washtenaw County, an assessment
of dietary intake must be examined. Figure 7 shows the consumption of vegetables and fruits in
young adults in Washtenaw County. Undergraduates are less likely to consume fruits and
vegetables then people in their mid twenties to thirties. On a broader scale, the state of Michigan
reported a median intake of 1.1 servings of fruits and 1.6 servings of vegetables per day in a
recent report by the CDC11. Although this under consumption of fruits and vegetables is
pertinent to more than the student population, it is important to consider when looking at the
food security on college campuses.
Conversely, fast food consumption by individuals with some college education is more frequent
than those of other educational levels (Table 5). Many young adults are not yet ready to prepare
their own meals and thus rely on the multitude of readily available fast food sources on campus
for their needs. As stated previously, overconsumption of energy dense foods can lead to false
sense of fulfillment in terms of essential dietary needs. Additionally, the lack of alternative food
sources can lead to increased intake of nutritiously poor foods.

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Figure 8 shows the distance of grocery stores to community members in Washtenaw County by
education level. As demonstrated by the figure, most people live over a mile away from any
grocery store. The Washtenaw Food Policy Counsel states that only 46% of county residents
live in areas with access to good healthy foods12. Because most students may not have personal
transportation, distance decreases access for young adults to fresh foods. Furthermore, areas in
the county such as the University of Michigan campus have even been designated a food desert
by the USDA6. Time constraints may also hinder access to food sources that are more than a
mile away. Exercise is also an important aspect of the health of the target population. 62% of
individuals who have had some college, report exercising less than three times per week. This is
less than the CDC reported average physical activity recommendation for adults13.

Figure 7: Fruit and Vegetable Servings per day (Washtenaw County Public Health Department,
2010)
80%
70%
60%
50%
18-24 years

40%

25-34 years
30%
20%
10%
0%
0-1 Servings

2-4 Servings

5-8 Servings

9+ Servings

Table 5: Frequency of Fast Food Consumption (Washtenaw County Public Health Department,
2010)
Education
2 or more
Once per
1-3 time per Less than
Never
times per
week
month
once per
week
month
Less than
27.5%
21.1%
22.7%
23.4%
5.4%
High School
High School
17.6%
15.5%
38.7%
21.4%
6.8%
Grad
Some College 28.1%
17.5%
35.2%
15.6%
3.6%
College Grad 11.9%
32.7%
26.6%
18.2%
10.6%

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Figure 8: Distance to closest grocery store (Washtenaw County Public Health Department,
2010).
90%
80%
70%
60%
Less than High School

50%

High School Grad

40%

Some College

30%

College Grad

20%
10%
0%
1/2 mile or less

1/2 mile to 1 mile

Greater than 1 mile

Figure 9: Vigorous physical activity 20+ min per day for 3+ days per week? (Washtenaw County
Public Health Department, 2010)
80.00%
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%

Less than High School

High School Grad

40.00%

Some College
30.00%

College Grad

20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
Yes

No

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Community Assets
Washtenaw County has many existing services to address the needs of nutritionally insecure
households. These organizations serve both underserved and low-income adults as well as
nutritionally insecure individuals. Figure 10 lists some of programs working in this area.
Additionally, organizations like the Washtenaw Food Policy Council and the Michigan Food
Policy Council work to address the needs of nutritionally insecure individuals.
There are also assets to specifically target students who are attending large universities such as
University of Michigan. Some of these programs include the Student Food Co., MHealthy and
the MFarmers Market.
Other community assets include a number of grocery stores. Many of these stores accept the
SNAP benefits and offer fresh produce in return.
Figure 10: Community Assets that address Food Insecurity in Washtenaw County

Government
Programs

Non-Profits

Farmer's
Markets

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Supplemental Nutrition Program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) and Double Up Food Bucks
Michigan Extension Family Nutrition Program

Food Gatherers, Fair Food Network, Peace

Neighboorhood Center, St. Clare's Episcopal
Church, Northside Community Center, Jewish
Family Services, Bryant Community Center, Ann
Arbor Community Center, Catholic Social
Services (and many more)

Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Bushel Basket

Farmers Market, Chelsea Saturday Farmers
Market. Cobblestone Farmers Market, Dexter
Farmers market, Dixboro Farmers Market,
Manchester Farmers Market, Pittsfield Township
Farmers Market, Saline Farmers Market

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Discussion
Young adults in Washtenaw County are a vulnerable population that can be food insecure. This
needs assessment provides an insight into how economic hardships on student populations
coupled with lack of time and incentive to cook can lead to individuals who are food insecure.
While programs exist in the community to address the needs of food insecurity (Figure 10), extra
outreach must be conducted to target students as they may not associate themselves with being
nutritionally insecure.
Students who do not view themselves as hungry may not be as likely to search and find
services for fresh foods in their community. Moreover, due to lack of time and expectations of
convenience, young adults are less likely to take advantage of farmers markets. They generally
desire one stop shops for all their grocery needs which is hard to do with farmers markets. They
are also searching for easy cooking options and are thus less likely to cook with fresh whole
foods and more likely to pick up processed ready to eat items.
This type of nutritional deficiency can lead to higher numbers of overweight individuals within
the university community. As demonstrated in the nutritional assessment data, there is a high
prevalence of overweight young adults in Washtenaw County (Figure 6). While gym services
are available for students, many students do not have adequate time or motivation to exercise
regularly (Figure 9). Increased consumption of nutritionally poor foods with a lack of exercise
can lead to risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a serious chronic illness4.

Recommendations
1. Increase Awareness of Dietary Recommendations Targeting student education on
healthy dietary patterns can help build awareness of the different forms of food
insecurity. This type of intervention would also serve to equip students with the tools to
becoming smarter consumers. By taking some of the mystery of food products away,
better dietary habits can be cultivated. Additionally, providing example caloric
information about food choices around the county (such as those seen on menus of
establishments), could serve as a deterrent to overconsumption of energy dense foods.
2. Provide easier access to financial aid and non-profit organizations Many students
remain unaware of the services they can access on their college campuses. By providing
different routes to access them, students can work to balance their budgets and discover
how to allocate more spending money on fresher foods. The burden of debt that students
carry can be lessened by helping sign up those who qualify for food assistance programs
such as SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, and WIC. Additionally, many non-profits are
available to aid students who might need some assistance in obtaining nutritionally
adequate and safe foods. Further work must be done to de-stigmatize these programs
thus making them more appealing for the student population.

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Future research could be focused around campus attitudes around student hunger and food
security. Currently, there is little research on the unique challenges faced by college students as
their economic and education experiences can be very distinct. By discovering the unique
hurdles for food security on specific campuses, increased targeting can occur to address this
multidimensional problem. Food access and security is a concern for all stakeholders in a
community as nutritionally adequacy can help reduce the burden of disease and mortality in a
community.

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References
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Forum on Child and Family Statistics:
http://www.childstats.gov/americaschildren/index9.asp
2. Cancel-Tirado DI, Lopez-Cevallos DF, Patton-Lopez MM, and Vazquez L. Prevalence
and correlates of food insecurity among students attending a midsize rural university in
Oregon.Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 2014
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the Connections. Retrieved: November 5,2014 from Food Research and Action Center:
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4. United States Department of Agriculture. (September 2014). Household Food Security in
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Michigan. Retrieved on October 19, 2014 from United States Census Bureau:
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/26/26161.html
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http://www.ewashtenaw.org/services_for/links/schools.html
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Disease? Retrieved: November 3, 2014 from National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hdw/atrisk.html
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Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/downloads/State-Indicator-ReportFruits-Vegetables-2013.pdf

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Michigan. Retrieved on October 19, 2014 from United States Census Bureau:
http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk
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http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-2944_4669_4686---,00.html

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