Rising food insecurity among college students sparks growth in campus food pantries across the U.S.

As many as one out of every three college students in the U.S. is dealing with food insecurity, according to a study conducted by Temple University's The Hope Center. The University of California, Davis, is taking steps to address this issue, with students lining up daily for the school's food pantry.

The harsh reality of food insecurity

"Rent is unbelievably expensive," senior Erin Cashin told CBS News. "It's unfortunate that food and groceries and just basic needs costs are so gigantic." Cashin, like many other students, faces the challenge of balancing high living costs with meeting basic needs such as food.

Cashin's dedication to securing essential supplies is evident as she arrives at the on-campus food pantry 90 minutes before the doors open. "I literally structure my class schedules around being able to come to the pantry," she said, highlighting the lengths to which students are forced to go to ensure they can access vital resources.

Students helping students

The UC Davis food pantry is run by students, many of whom have personally benefited from its services. Junior Kate Tobie, who works at the pantry, shared, "It feels good to give back and know that I'm needed here." This student-led initiative stands as a testament to the solidarity and support within the campus community.

Leslie Kemp, director of UC Davis' Basic Needs Center, emphasized the importance of offering items like fresh produce, some of which is grown on the student farm and donated to the pantry. "A dollar today buys a third of the commodities that it bought when I was in school," Kemp stated, underscoring the financial challenges faced by today's students.

A widespread issue

The prevalence of student food insecurity extends beyond UC Davis, with close to 800 food pantries now present on college campuses nationwide, according to the nonprofit Trellis Company. This represents a tenfold increase from a decade ago, highlighting the growing need for such support systems.

Addressing stigma and accessibility

Recognizing the importance of accessibility, UC Davis relocated its food pantry from a basement to a central location on campus to reduce the stigma associated with seeking assistance. The pantry is open to anyone with a student ID, no questions asked, emphasizing the university's commitment to ensuring that all students have access to necessary resources.

For students like Cashin, the food pantry serves as a vital support system, alleviating the burden of food insecurity. "It would absolutely affect my academic performance. It would definitely affect mental health," Cashin expressed, highlighting the profound impact that access to nutritious food can have on students' overall well-being.

In the spirit of reciprocity, Cashin emphasized the importance of leaving behind supplies for others in need. "Let me make sure I leave some behind for the next person," she said, illustrating the culture of communal support that has emerged within the campus community.