Food Insecurity and Student Absence in the US and across the Globe
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| Title: | Food Insecurity and Student Absence in the US and across the Globe |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Yusuf Canbolat (ORCID |
| Source: | Educational Policy. 2026 40(5):595-625. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 31 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Food, Hunger, Attendance, Global Approach, International Assessment, Foreign Countries, Achievement Tests, Secondary School Students, Student Experience |
| Geographic Terms: | United States |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Program for International Student Assessment |
| DOI: | 10.1177/08959048251382153 |
| ISSN: | 0895-9048 1552-3896 |
| Abstract: | Student absenteeism has increased in the U.S. and globally, while food insecurity remains a widespread challenge. This study examines the relationship between food insecurity and student absence using ecological systems theory and multilevel zero-inflated Poisson regression on data from approximately half a million students in 65 countries from the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Findings reveal a strong association between food insecurity and absenteeism, with the most food-insecure students missing school at significantly higher rates. In the U.S., a one-unit increase in food insecurity is linked to an 8% increase in absences, a consistent pattern internationally. While causality cannot be determined, results highlight food insecurity as a possible barrier to attendance and a broader indicator of economic hardship. Addressing food insecurity within and beyond school settings may mitigate absenteeism, particularly in nations with high levels of both challenges, such as the U.S. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1507960 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Student absenteeism has increased in the U.S. and globally, while food insecurity remains a widespread challenge. This study examines the relationship between food insecurity and student absence using ecological systems theory and multilevel zero-inflated Poisson regression on data from approximately half a million students in 65 countries from the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Findings reveal a strong association between food insecurity and absenteeism, with the most food-insecure students missing school at significantly higher rates. In the U.S., a one-unit increase in food insecurity is linked to an 8% increase in absences, a consistent pattern internationally. While causality cannot be determined, results highlight food insecurity as a possible barrier to attendance and a broader indicator of economic hardship. Addressing food insecurity within and beyond school settings may mitigate absenteeism, particularly in nations with high levels of both challenges, such as the U.S. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0895-9048 1552-3896 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/08959048251382153 |
