#None #College Students #Touch Grass Together #Echelon Insights

College Students Rank Poor Nutrition as a Greater Concern Than Drug or Alcohol Abuse

A recent survey conducted by Echelon Insights on behalf of the student-led initiative Touch Grass Together reveals a striking reality concerning college students' health priorities. The survey found that a significant majority of students, 82%, consider poor nutrition to be a larger issue than the use of drugs or alcohol, which only 71% identified as problematic on their campuses. This surprising finding sheds light on the changing concerns of the current generation of college students, who are increasingly focused on their dietary well-being.

Survey Highlights

The national poll surveyed 1,003 full-time undergraduate students aged 18-28. One of the most alarming revelations from the survey is that nearly three-quarters (72%) of those questioned feel that their campuses do not provide sufficient healthy food options. This is concerning, especially when 71% of students admit that their diets fall short of being as healthy as they desire. In a world where 89% of students are actively prioritizing their mental and physical health, the gap between student needs and campus offerings is widening.

Adnan Alkhalili, the founder and CEO of Touch Grass Together, emphasized the importance of food in students’ lives: "This poll makes one thing unmistakably clear — our most basic human need, food, has been undermined in ways we can no longer ignore. Young people are tired of being flooded with junk food, and for college students, the situation is even more frustrating as they are not making those unhealthy choices willingly. They crave sustenance that bolsters their bodies but find their campus settings unaccommodating."

Nutrition and Its Impact on Well-Being

The connection between dietary habits and personal well-being is explicit among students. An impressive 84% of participants indicated that their food choices significantly influence their energy levels, while 80% expressed the same about their moods. Additionally, three out of four students acknowledge the effect of their diet on their focus and productivity.

Despite their mindfulness around these issues, students face challenges within their campus environments. Approximately half of the respondents report that dining halls offer overly processed options, and a significant portion (nearly 80%) state that consuming highly processed foods leaves them feeling sluggish and mentally drained. Dr. Ryan S Patel, a psychiatrist at The Ohio State University's counseling service, points out, "To help students prioritize their mental and physical well-being, schools must provide appropriate food choices at reasonable prices across dining halls and vending options. Studies indicate that proper nutrition can help reduce energy dips and anxiety symptoms. Therefore, improving access to nutritious food is essential for supporting student well-being."

Low-Carb Diets Make a Difference

Interestingly, the survey finds a compelling link between dietary practices and mental health outcomes. While fewer than half of students evaluate their mental health as excellent, those adhering to low-carb or ketogenic diets reported a marked improvement. An impressive 57% of students on these diets rated their mental health positively compared to only 38% of those not following such plans. However, 35% of respondents pointed out that their dining services fall short in offering adequate low-carb or ketogenic options.

A Reflection of Broader Campus Strain

The struggles of students regarding nutrition are indicative of broader challenges within campus life, where sleep, outdoor time, and rest seem scarce.

• - Disconnected from Nature: Over one-third of students report spending less than 45 minutes outdoors each day, with four in five going at least one complete day without contact with nature.
• - Poor Sleep: Nearly 80% of students cite sleeping fewer than eight hours per night.
• - Constant Screen Time: More than half spend five or more hours daily in front of screens, outside of their academic responsibilities.

Touch Grass Together undertook this survey to gain insights into college students’ health experiences and how they prioritize wellness in a challenging environment. Alkhalili adds, "The lack of access to healthy eating and other essential elements of life on college campuses is why thousands have united in our movement to 'touch grass together.' Young people know precisely where societal failures lie, and they are vocalizing the necessity for change."

Kristen Soltis Anderson, a founding partner at Echelon Insights, concludes that, "Today's students strive for healthier lives, yet they worry that financial constraints and limited access to nutritious foods make achieving this goal more difficult. They are ready to take control of their health, viewing healthy eating as a core aspect of their journey."

By identifying and addressing nutritional barriers, higher education institutions have the opportunity to significantly enhance the overall well-being of their student bodies, fostering healthier, more productive environments for future generations.