Objectives:
This study aimed to 1) investigate the prevalence of food insecurity and its association with health outcomes among college students enrolled in the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CONHP), and 2) inform strategies to improve utilization and sustainability of the on-campus CONHP Little Free Pantry.

Methods:
A cross-sectional survey of all students enrolled in CONHP was conducted during the Spring 2025. Food insecurity was assessed using the USDA Six-Item Short Form Food Security Survey Module. Food security status was categorized as high/marginal (raw score 0–1), low (2–4), or very low (5–6). Self-reported demographic characteristics and health indicators—including general health, mental health, sleep disturbance, and quality of life—were collected. Bivariate analyses were conducted to examine differences in health outcomes by food security status.

Results:
Among 128 respondents, 88 (68.8%) had high or marginal food security, 28 (21.9%) had low food security, and 12 (9.4%) had very low food security. Among students classified as having low or very low food security, 12 (30%) reported utilizing the CONHP Little Free Pantry. Students experiencing low or very low food security were significantly more likely to report impaired mental health, sleep disturbance, and lower quality of life compared to food-secure peers (all p < .05).

Conclusions:
A substantial proportion of students in health professions programs experience food insecurity, which is associated with adverse mental health and well-being outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of campus-based food access initiatives. A second phase of this study will incorporate qualitative interviews with pantry users to identify barriers, facilitators, and strategies to enhance utilization and long-term sustainability of the CONHP Little Free Pantry.