The Weight of Food Insecurity
Can you concentrate when you are hungry?
In America, an invisible epidemic known as food insecurity is an issue that affects a growing number of college students. Despite the perception that college students lead carefree lives, many struggle to afford basic necessities, including food. But if food insecurity is so prevalent on college campuses, why are more people not cognizant of it? The high cost of college tuition, housing, and textbooks has increased the number of students facing food insecurity. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office, about 30% of college students experience food insecurity. Many often assume that if a person can afford to be in college that they must have the means to afford food. In actuality, many students have to make the choice between tuition or groceries.
It might seem like this blog post is coming from left field, but I promise, it's not. Food insecurity does not indicate that a person is not working or trying to improve their life. It occurs in families who make $30,000 a year and families who make $80,000 a year. It will always be relative to the family size, location, and everyday circumstances that life brings. I can think of many expenses that may need to be prioritized and may impact the amount of food finances available. From medical bills, medicine, rent, fuel money… The list goes on…. This issue is important. More awareness around the issue is needed. Because the current solutions for people seeking assistance with food insecurity is not enough. Food insecurity among college students has a lot of different causes. It's a big challenge that needs some serious attention.
Food insecurity has some serious consequences, and it comes with a real stigma. When students don't have enough good food to eat, it puts them at a higher risk of dealing with health problems like malnutrition, anemia, and even obesity. On top of that, it can take a toll on their mental health, leading to issues like depression and anxiety.
To address the issue, various initiatives have been established. Some colleges have started food pantries or food banks on campus, where students can access free or low-cost food. Other colleges have partnered with local grocery stores to provide discounts on food to students. The federal government has also taken steps to address food insecurity among college students.
In addition to food insecurity, college students encounter a myriad of outside stressors, including academic pressure, financial strain, social expectations, time management challenges, homesickness, and the uncertainty surrounding their future. These stressors can significantly impact their mental health and overall well-being, subsequently affecting their grade point averages, college retention rates, and graduation rates. This cascading effect can be quite detrimental. It is crucial to reach out for support when necessary.
College can be expensive, and many students are on a tight budget. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2021–2022 school year was $10,560 for in-state public four-year institutions, $27,020 for out-of-state public four-year institutions, and $37,650 for private nonprofit four-year institutions. These numbers do not include additional expenses such as room and board, textbooks, and supplies. However, there are many ways that students can eat affordably and still enjoy healthy and tasty meals. Students can plan their meals in advance, cook at home, shop smart, eat seasonally, and use leftovers.
This issue poses a significant challenge among college students in the United States, necessitating a comprehensive approach to find solutions. Collaboration between colleges, governments, and individuals is essential to guarantee that students can access nutritious food at an affordable cost, enabling them to lead healthy lives. Additionally, it is crucial to address the various other stressors that college students encounter and provide them with the necessary support to flourish and truly focus on just achieve their goals.
Students shouldn't have to study hungry or worry about the next time they will eat.
Plan to pay for college with digital personal finance education.
Get Food here
