Food Insecurity and Student Absence in the US and Across the Globe

Datos Bibliográficos

ID21582005
AutoresYusuf Canbolat (0000-0002-9113-173X, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA, autor de correspondencia), David Rutkowski (0009-0000-7550-8982, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA), Leslie Rutkowski (0000-0003-2868-2202, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA)
Año2026
Volumen40
Número5
Páginas595-625
Fecha de publicación2026-07-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaEducational Policy (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0895-9048 • E-ISSN: 1552-3896
EditorialSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/08959048251382153
OpenAlexW4415470517
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas38

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

Absenteeism · Attendance · Attribution · Food insecurity · Globe · Multilevel model · Poisson regression · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics · Homelessness and Social Issues