Do university students make the healthiest and most sustainable food choices? Research shows that their diets are often far from optimal, and campuses are a key place to change this.

A recent study conducted at University College Dublin (UCD) examined how students’ food choices are influenced and what can be done to promote healthier and more sustainable eating. Interviews with 22 stakeholders, including policy makers, academics, food service providers and health professionals, revealed key factors: convenience, cost, taste, social influences and food accessibility.

Stakeholders proposed solutions at several levels:

• Individual level: educational campaigns and awareness-raising initiatives
• Interpersonal: involving students in food initiatives
• Environment: improving access to healthy and sustainable options and campus facilities
• Policy: a coordinated campus-wide approach

This information will guide UCD’s PLAN’EAT living lab, which will develop interventions to help students make better food choices between 2024 and 2026.

Read the full study!

Want to find out more about it, contact our lead researchers on the topic !