Home away from home through food environments: Pacific students’ experiences of food environments in an Aotearoa New Zealand University.

Edmond Fehoko, Mikaila Dednam, Genelle Ventura, Andrea Amundsen, Sara Styles, Simon Erickson

Research on tertiary food environments has largely focused on affordability, dietary quality, and individual health behaviours, often overlooking the cultural and relational meanings of food for Indigenous and Pacific students. This study addresses this gap by examining how access to culturally meaningful foods shapes Pacific students’ sense of belonging, wellbeing, and academic engagement. A qualitative design employing individual talanoa sessions was used with thirteen Pacific students studying in Dunedin. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed reflexively using the Fonua model of health, which emphasises the interconnectedness of people, culture, land, and wellbeing. Participants described traditional foods as central to identity and emotional wellbeing. However, limited availability, high costs, and the absence of culturally inclusive spaces created forms of cultural food insecurity that contributed to isolation and affected academic engagement. Participants recommended increasing Pacific food visibility on campus, strengthening partnerships with Pacific communities and vendors, and supporting traditional food practices.