The impact of food insecurity on college students can be long-ranging. Students who deal with hunger often get lower grades than their counterparts and tend to withdraw before completing their degree or certificate.
While many colleges offer meal plans, they don’t come cheaply. Especially when you add on the cost of student loans. On average, a meal plan costs over $4,500 per year, which not everyone can afford. In fact, according to Born This Way and Swipe Out Hunger Foundation’s study on food insecurity on college campuses, a quarter of students said they had to take out additional loans to cover food costs! Without a reliable income or parental assistance, finding quality food on a low budget is extremely difficult — leading to the unhealthy staple of packaged ramen noodles or fast food.
Off-campus food pantries can help. In fact, according to the same study, 52% of students turn to off-campus food pantries for supplementation.
While off-campus food pantries are proving to be essential, on-campus food pantries have many benefits. For starters, they are easier to access during those days when time is limited. In addition, students will feel like their college recognizes their issues. Similarly, on-campus pantries offer leadership and advocacy opportunities for students.
In March of 2021, the Newton Food Pantry partnered with Lasell University’s Community-Based Learning Program to build a self-serve dry pantry on campus for students and staff. Hopefully, this is just the first of many college partnerships in Newton to address food insecurity on campuses.
In addition to Lasell University’s dry pantry, the Newton Food Pantry now allows any Newton-based college students to shop on Wednesday distribution days. They don’t need Newton residency, only a valid student ID.
Addressing food insecurity on our college campuses means first acknowledging it exists, and then making sure students know how to get help. In 2020, 52% of students facing food or housing insecurity didn’t reach out for support because they didn’t know how. Awareness is key!
Newton-based College Students and Staff: If you are hungry, the Newton Food Pantry is here to help. Learn how to Get Help.