Here’s how to outsmart food insecurity on campus
Even if you are a well-nourished college student, most likely someone you know is going hungry. Hunger on college campuses is real — and common. In a fall 2020 survey, an astonishing 75 percent of Indigenous college students said they experience food and/or housing insecurity.
This same survey by the Hope Center for College Community and Justice found that 30 percent of all college students don’t get enough to eat. And this year, a survey by the University of New Mexico and the state office of higher education found 40 percent of undergraduate and graduate students reporting food insecurity.
Students who are hungry are more likely to be part of an underrepresented group and to live off campus with roommates. They often work and have student debt, family obligations, and a Pell grant. The most vulnerable are first-year students making the transition to newfound independence while trying to manage their limited funds.
For college students, food insecurity can trigger a domino effect of negative outcomes. Hungry students are more likely to experience stress and depression, get poorer grades, and drop out. Many also try to stretch their limited food budget by choosing less expensive but over-processed foods. The poor nutrition in cheap and fast foods — too many refined carbs, sugars, and fats — affects overall health and well-being and can contribute to a lifelong battle with obesity.
Here are some strategies that can help make sure all students have access to healthy food. If your campus doesn’t offer these resources, you can be part of the solution by helping to get them going.
Campus food pantries. Many colleges have organized food drives and food pantries. In 2017 Arizona State University established its food pantry, which now provides basic necessities as well as non-perishable foods.
Meal sharing. At schools like Sacred Heart University, students can opt to “bank” part of their meal plan for other students to anonymously “withdraw.” At some schools, faculty, staff, and alumni can contribute to this fund as well.
Budget-friendly menus. At schools like New York University, meal plans have added nutritious, low-cost items and even offered events with free food. Some students who are embarrassed to visit a pantry are more likely to take advantage of low-cost meals.
Community partnerships. Every campus is part of a larger community, and local and state governments can play a role in addressing this problem, as can charitable organizations and businesses. Kroger gave the University of North Texas a $250,000 grant for its food pantry, which helps keep it stocked and pays two students to run it.
SNAP benefits. Eligibility for programs like SNAP (the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) should be widely promoted on campus.
Money management. Financial aid can be a big help, but students who are struggling to manage the funds they have could use some help. Student services on campuses like Boston College offer “financial wellness” counseling on handling money, credit, and debt.
