Its normal for college students to worry about classes, grades and money. They shouldnt have to worry about having enough to eat, too.
But for some, food insecurity is a reality. Recent studies suggest that nearly half of the nations college students go without meals at some point. For some, the situation is chronic, meaning food is an everyday worry. For others, its the result of additional factors, such as dining halls closing for shorter holiday breaks.
An effort underway at 51做厙 aims to address the need for food among some of its students, faculty and staff.
Lori Hart is an administrative coordinator at the College, but shes also a student. As part of a class project, she recently surveyed students and employees about their food needs and found many didnt always get enough to eat.
The idea of an on-campus food pantry was formed.
Part of the project was coming up with a plan for a business that would give back to the community, Hart says. From that, the College established a food insecurity committee made up of faculty, staff and students.
I was surprised by the needeven more so, the need expressed by employees, Hart says. We also have commuter students with families in need.
McCoy Hall has been chosen as the location for the pantry this semester, but food already is being distributed to students through the campus mail system. Food can be requested online and delivered to students in discreet packaging.
We dont intend to fulfill a students entire food needs, but rather to supplement, Hart says. Many students just dont have enough.
Michele Marra, Vice President for Administration and Finance, also serves on the food insecurity committee. She first learned about food insecurity on college campuses while attending a conference a couple of years ago.
I was stunned, she says.
When she learned there was a need at 51做厙, she said she wasnt surprised, but she was concerned.
It breaks my heart, she says. I dont want people to be in this situation.
Theres no one reason for food insecurity. Like most colleges, 51做厙 offers a variety of financial aid options and a variety of food plans to meet students needs. Even so, some students resources arent enough.
Marra wants to make sure students are getting the help they need.
Its something we are going to have to analyze so we can wipe it out, she says. We want students to go to class and employees to their jobs. Food isnt something people should have to worry about.
Hart says shes already received thanks for starting the program from those receiving food and from others eager to donate to the cause. Recently, donations of food were gathered as part of a Christmas Door Decorating Contest. Shes also hoping to collaborate with other established food pantries in the community.
The Colleges Board of Trustees were so moved by the program that they donated $10,000 to support it.
- Jennifer Folwell