Many people struggle to consistently access enough food for an active and healthy life (United States Department of Agriculture, 2020). Research has shown that college students experience food insecurity at rates higher than the general population while also facing negative academic, mental, physical, and social consequences (Baker-Smith et al., 2020; Bruening et al., 2018; Dubick et al., 2016; Henry, 2017; Martinez et al., 2018). Although studies on food insecurity among higher education have increased in the past few years, much of the research has been quantitative in nature and has been conducted at community colleges and state-funded institutions (Baker-Smith et al., 2020; Cliburn Allen & Alleman, 2019; Goldrick-Rab et al., 2018; Keefe et al., 2024; Nikolaus et al., 2020). This study addresses this gap in qualitative research of food insecurity at independent colleges and universities to gain a better understanding of this phenomenon. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the phenomenon of food insecurity among college students attending independent colleges and universities. Two research questions guided this study: How do students at independent colleges and universities experience food insecurity? What can college and university leaders learn from these experiences in order to better assist students? To learn more about this complex topic, the study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) which aims to examine the details of the lived experiences of participants (Smith et al., 2009; Smith & Nizza, 2022). Virtual interviews were conducted with six college students facing food insecurity while attending an independent college or university located in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, or Wisconsin. Individual participant profiles were created following two, in-depth virtual interviews with each student. Following the individual analysis, patterns, connections, and differences were examined across the participants and identified five group experiential themes including The Stigma is Real; Obstacles; Mental Health; Living with Food Insecurity; and Relationships Matter. Although all of their respective institutions provided food resources, some participants felt like it was not acceptable or desirable to talk about the phenomenon at their independent colleges and universities due to the assumptions they perceived were held by people within their institutions. When students are tired, hungry, and worried about food, it can be challenging to focus on academics and other needs. The participants all struggled to access food, yet had unique backgrounds and barriers that shaped and influenced their experience as a college student facing food insecurity. Numerous recommendations emerged for colleges and universities to better understand and support students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]