Colleges Teach Students Healthy Eating, Cooking Habits

"Several studies found that students who had cooking experience were less likely to face food insecurity, implying that those without cooking or food-preparation skills may be at higher risk for food insecurity, according to the report. The report suggests colleges can provide cooking and meal-preparation demonstrations to help students gain skills, as well as learn how to prepare low-budget, nutritious meals."

"A number of colleges and universities are working to teach students proper nutrition habits and equip them to lead healthy lives in and beyond college. The research: A 2023 literature review found that college students experience a variety of risk factors that make them uniquely positioned to experience food insecurity, including busy schedules and a lack of access to nutritious food."

"To help teach students how to cook using relevant tools and resources, the University of Memphis staff hosts a lunchtime nutrition class, teaching students how to prepare and grill a personal pizza. The university charges students $15 to participate in the class, which covers ingredients and lunch foods, providing a low-cost and casual introduction to basic cooking principles. University of North Dakota: Culinary Corner At UND, students get the chance to lead their peers in cooking classes."

A 2025 survey of 5,000 undergraduates found 44 percent rated their college nutrition as average and 30 percent rated it below average or poor. Colleges and universities are offering programs to teach proper nutrition habits and cooking skills to support healthy living. A 2023 literature review identified busy schedules and limited access to nutritious food as risk factors for student food insecurity. Studies link cooking experience with lower food insecurity risk. Colleges can offer cooking and meal-preparation demonstrations, teach low-budget nutritious recipes and food budgeting, and incorporate nutrition education into first-year seminars. Examples include low-cost grilling classes and peer-led campus cooking sessions.

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