Food insecurity is a college health issue gaining awareness on many campuses nationwide. Here at University of Idaho, 38% of undergraduates reported experiencing food insecurity in 2017 according to a study conducted by The Ohio State University. Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as an “economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food” and is characterized by reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet, and/or reduced food intake due and hunger.
College student food insecurity typically reflects or is significantly higher than state and national rates, and can be intermittent or chronic. It’s caused by inadequate financial resources, including insufficient financial aid. Other contributing factors can be lack of transportation, an unanticipated medical bill, or an event that wipes out a student’s savings. Food insecurity ultimately leads to coping mechanisms including stretching and skipping meals, eating unbalanced meals, attending events on campus that offer free food, suppressing hunger with excessive fluid intake, and going to sleep to avoid feeling hungry. Food insecurity is often found to be related to low GPA and depression in college students.
Madie Brown | Graduate Support Assistant
There is a stigma associated with food insecurity. Feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment are reported by students experiencing limited access to food due to inadequate financial resources. The stigma and its stinging affects are also reported as barriers to accessing resources, like campus food pantries.
The Food Security Coalition is a group on campus dedicated to eliminating food insecurity among U of I students. It’s currently chaired by graduate student Madie Brown, and includes dedicated faculty, staff, and students from various campus departments. The Coalition is working from a comprehensive, U of I-specific, multi-faceted plan to eliminate campus food insecurity in a variety of ways. Results from a recent survey conducted by the chair to assess current faculty and staff knowledge of campus food insecurity and related resources have been made available and initiatives are underway to fill gaps in faculty and staff knowledge. The Coalition is focusing on increasing access to free or reduced-price fresh food on campus, reduction of stigma, and promoting the Vandal Food Pantry.
Any interested faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to join the Coalition. All perspectives, ideas, and input are welcome. For information about the Coalition, contact Madie at [email protected] or Amber Schneider, at [email protected].
Eliminating food insecurity is a campus-wide effort. There are many ways faculty, staff, and students can get involved. Consider donating to the Vandal Food Pantry – they are always in need of key food items. Faculty are encouraged to add a statement about the Pantry to their syllabi so that all students are exposed to the resource regardless of their food security status. Staff working with students on a regular basis are encouraged to be aware of signs of food insecurity and refer students to resources when appropriate. All of this information can be found at uidaho.edu/food-pantry.
If you know anyone – student, faculty, staff, or community member – experiencing food insecurity, inform them of the Vandal Food Pantry. It’s open to all and people are encouraged to take what they need, no questions asked.
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