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Student Hunger: Responding To Food Insecurity On Campus

Jay Yocis/UC Creative Images
Campus food pantries provide convenient access for students facing hunger, but like all food pantries they can struggle to keep the shelves stocked.

Attending college may seem like a privilege but after paying for tuition and textbooks, many students struggle to afford the basics, including food. The rising cost of higher-education and growing number of non-traditional students only adds to the financial strain, with more students than ever living on a shoestring budget. 

A recent survey, "Hunger on Campus," by the College and University Food Bank Alliance, finds nearly half of student respondents experienced food insecurity.

Local colleges are responding to student hunger by opening campus food pantries. In addition, some colleges offer meal vouchers for use in dining halls. Students are also getting involved by volunteering and donating to the pantries.

Here to discuss student food insecurity and campus solutions are Northern Kentucky University Assistant Dean of Administration Dr. Lewatis McNeal; FUEL NKU Faculty Coordinator and Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling, Social Work, and Leadership Dr. Jessica Averitt Taylor; Cincinnati State Health and Public Safety Academic Advisor and Student Food Pantry Faculty Advisor Laurie Malone; and University of Cincinnati Division of Student Affairs Assistant Dean of Students Daniel Cummins.

For information on FUEL NKU click here.

For information on Cincinnati State's Surge Cupboard Food Pantry click here.

For information on the Bearcats Pantryclick here.