The Hunger Barrier: Overcoming Food Insecurity in College

Many schools offer financial resources, yet only two-fifths of students know about them, according to NCES data. Available resources vary from college to college but often include university-run food pantries, resources from local nonprofits, or administrative help on filing for SNAP or similar programs. At Brigham Young University, for example, the school partners with local organizations to provide for food-insecure students. UCLA offers similar resources and co-runs a cafe with free food and coffee for students in need.

Food insecurity isn’t only about a lack of food, but also not consuming enough nutrient-dense meals. Because nutritious food is often more expensive, the U.S. Department of Agriculture supplements the grocery bills of low-income families and individuals through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Eligibility requirements vary from state to state. Applying can be difficult, so many schools, such as the University of Central Florida, offer free coaching to students filling out a SNAP application.

It’s time to become a chef — on a budget, that is. While most college students are busy and may have little experience in the kitchen, there are cheap, quick meals that can help you cut costs and stop your growling stomach. The University of Purdue’s guide to affordable meals offers a range of college cooking tips. And because the guide was specifically designed for college students who haven’t cooked before, it’s a great resource for any new chef (or anyone interested in cooking on a limited budget).

It’s no secret groceries are expensive. According to Northeastern Global News, food prices are 25% higher than in 2020. But while your dollar may not go as far at the supermarket, there are some tricks to get more grub for your buck.

Some of our favorites include:

• Buy in bulk, especially for nonperishables
• Shop on-sale products
• Look for coupons
• Frequent a grocery store with a loyalty or rewards program

These tips won’t solve all financial woes, but they can add a few more dollars to your pocket, and that money could be the key to affording tuition and food.

Community organizations and partners can also provide home-cooked meals and other resources. The most common groups include national or local nonprofits and local food banks. Later in this article, we’ll review what community support looks like and search engines to find local food banks.

Sometimes, groceries aren’t your biggest expense; tuition and student fees are. To lower the cost of your degree, consider applying to different financial aid options, such as scholarships and student loans. When applying, find scholarships specifically suited to you, such as local options or scholarships for students pursuing a public service degree. To jumpstart your search, check out these 30 scholarships for public service students. Finding part-time work either through the federal work-study program or a private employer can also help offset college costs.

Many universities have on-campus food pantries that provide free or low-cost food options to students in need. These pantries may offer nonperishable items, fresh produce, and occasionally, personal care items. For a better idea of what these pantries look like, explore those at Auburn University and Boise State University. To use a campus food pantry, you may have to demonstrate a specific level of financial need, though this varies between institutions. Contact your school’s financial aid office to get insight into who can use the pantry on your campus.

Some universities, such as Drexel University, have programs that allow students with meal plans to donate unused meal swipes to their peers facing food insecurity. These donated swipes can then be used to access campus dining facilities. Occasionally, faculty members can also donate meal swipes as well. Eligibility requirements to utilize these meal swipes vary. At some schools, you can apply to use them, while others may be automatically offered based on demonstrated financial need. Contact your financial aid office to learn if your school offers this program and how it works.

Some colleges provide emergency meal vouchers that can be used at on-campus dining facilities or local restaurants. These vouchers are designed to help students in immediate need of food assistance. While some schools offer a limited number of vouchers, others provide vouchers for as long as needed. For example, UCLA asks students to fill out an online form detailing their financial need to access vouchers.

In some cases, colleges may provide emergency financial assistance or grants specifically for food or groceries to students experiencing food insecurity. The University of Washington provides grants to students who are skipping meals or reducing how much they eat due to financial concerns. At the University of Washington and many other colleges, grant recipients also receive guidance on how to access food pantries and other resources that can help.

Some campuses have community gardens where students can grow their own produce, which helps supplement their food supply. West Chester University, for example, has four campus gardens and volunteer opportunities for students interested in learning how to grow their own food. The exact regulations around growing food in campus gardens can vary greatly, which is why it’s important to reach out to the professor overseeing the gardens about the rules and regulations.

Colleges may offer workshops or classes on topics such as budgeting, meal planning, and cooking skills to help students make the most of their grocery haul. These workshops are often hosted virtually, meaning you can learn about budgeting and meal prep from the comfort of your home. The University of Georgia, for example, organizes regular cooking classes that teach specific nutritious recipes, such as a buffalo chickpea wrap or pesto pasta.

Colleges may partner with local food banks, churches, or community organizations to provide additional food assistance to students. This is a common school-supported resource, and universities that partner with community organizations will often feature this information and ways to access these resources on their websites.

Another tip: To find out what organizations your school partners with, Google “YOUR SCHOOL NAME food insecurity site:.edu” (example: Ohio State food insecurity site:.edu). The first few results should be related to any collaborations the school may have.

Some colleges provide meal programs or vouchers for students who remain on campus during breaks when dining halls may be closed. Access to these meal programs is often automatic, as students usually fill out a form stating their intention to stay on campus during breaks and the reason for this decision.

Local food pantries provide free or low-cost food options to individuals and families in need, including college students. Often, we think of these pantries serving non-student populations, but this is a misconception. At almost all food banks and pantries, food-insecure college students are served. Food banks collect and distribute food to individuals and families in need. They may provide food directly to individuals or through partner organizations. To find food banks near you, check out Feeding America’s free food bank search engine.

The federal government offers multiple assistance programs to help food-insecure families and individuals, including students. These are often run in conjunction with state governments, and the individual states determine eligibility requirements.

Three of the most popular government assistance programs include:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), a federal program for anyone who meets their state’s eligibility requirements.
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), food assistance for children under the age of 5 and pregnant, breastfeeding, or non-breastfeeding postpartum women.
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), a program to help families become economically self-sufficient.

While SNAP is a great program for the majority of students in need, WIC and TANF are helpful resources for students who are raising families.

Many churches and religious organizations operate food pantries or meal programs to help those experiencing food insecurity. Non-profit organizations may provide assistance, such as meal delivery programs or access to fresh produce. While these programs are often hosted by groups with a religious affiliation, you don’t have to identify with that religion to sign up for the food pantry or meal program.

Some communities have public gardens where individuals can grow their own produce, which can help supplement their food supply. Community plots must sometimes be purchased by community members, but other gardens offer free space for anyone interested in growing their own food. To find a community garden near you, explore the American Community Garden Association.

Community centers may offer food assistance programs, cooking classes, or other resources for individuals facing food insecurity. These programs can be free or offered at a low price, with the option to waive program fees if someone makes below a certain amount. The Kenmore Community Center in Akron, Ohio provides a good idea of what a thriving community center looks like. At this center, community members can enjoy popcorn and movie nights, community classes, and events. They also host a food pantry for low-income individuals.

Eating local is a great way to support the local economy and the environment, but it isn’t always the most affordable option. To offset higher costs, some farmers markets offer discounts or incentives for low-income individuals. They may also accept SNAP benefits or exchange volunteer work for food. The benefits offered, if any, vary from market to market and sometimes from vendor to vendor. If you receive WIC benefits, you may also have access to the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). Eligible WIC participants are issued FMNP coupons that can be used to buy foods from farmers, farmers markets or roadside stands.

Not knowing where your next meal is coming from can create or exaggerate many mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and the ability to focus in class. Whether you’re facing stress due to food insecurity or academics, you’re not alone.

Many universities offer free counseling sessions, online mental health programs, and more to help students thrive at university. There are also local and national nonprofits devoted to improving the mental health of university students. For a better idea of what specific university-supported and community resources look like, explore these must-have mental health resources for college students.

Food-insecure students often struggle to focus academically or devote enough time to their studies. In fact, one longitudinal study found that over 10 years, many students who dropped out faced low to severely low food security. Luckily, that same study found the drop-out rate decreased when schools had programs to support food-insecure students financially and academically.

On the academic side, many universities offer free tutoring services to help you stay up to speed in your classes. They may also offer access to a writing center, course-specific study groups, and librarians who can help you access the right materials for each class. For more on what your specific institution offers, consult with your school’s academic services team.

If you’re struggling to achieve food security, it may be time to apply for more financial aid. Whether you’re a first-year student or entering your final year, you’ll find student loans, work-study programs, and scholarships available to lower the cost of your degree.

For many students, the first step to accessing these financial aid resources is to fill out the FAFSA. The FAFSA is a form hosted by the federal government. It’s used by the government, academic institutions, and private organizations to determine financial needs. Filling out the FAFSA is free and relatively easy, though our FAFSA guide can make the process smoother.