Barriers to Healthy Eating Among College Students and Strategies for Increased Accessibility

College students face significant challenges in maintaining healthy eating habits due to a complex web of socioeconomic, environmental, and psychological barriers. This project investigates the primary obstacles preventing college students from accessing and consuming nutritious food, including food insecurity, time constraints, lack of nutrition knowledge, limited cooking skills, and the influence of campus food environments. Through a comprehensive literature review and critical analysis of existing interventions, this research identifies both the shortcomings and successes of current approaches to improving student nutrition. Building on this foundation, the project proposes a practical, student-focused solution: a research-informed cookbook titled Fuel for Focus: A College Student’s Guide to Easy, Affordable, and Nutritious Eating. This cookbook was created using ChatGPT, and the methodology will be explained in detail. This resource is designed to meet students where they are—financially, logistically, and educationally—by offering low-cost, quick, and accessible recipes that can be made with minimal equipment. The cookbook addresses common barriers while promoting food literacy and self-efficacy, aiming to bridge the gap between research and real-world application. Ultimately, this project calls for universities to invest in student well-being by supporting initiatives that increase access to affordable, healthy food and empower students to make informed dietary choices that support their academic and personal success.