More than half of college students experience food insecurities, study says

MONMOUTH, Ore. — For many college students, the greatest hardships they will experience, in regard to food, are gaining the freshman 15 or subsisting on a ramen noodle diet for a few days.

Some college students, however, experience the greater hardship of the consistent inability to put any food on their plate each day.

A research study by Western Oregon University reported 59 percent of college students experience food insecurities.

An individual experiences food insecurity when they are consistently unable to obtain adequate food, and thus adequate nutrition, which is essential for academic, emotional and physical health.

According to the American International Journal of Contemporary Research study "Evaluation of Food Insecurity among College Students," the experience of food insecurity comes from not having enough money to purchase meals or not having time for shopping and preparation.

The study reported that food-insecure students regularly reduce the size of their meals, skip meals or don't eat at all.

Mark Love, Bowling Green Salvation Army officer, said he noticed an increase in the problem of food insecurity among WKU students recently.

"That need has certainly increased in the past six months a lot," he said.

The Salvation Army, located on 400 W. Main Avenue, provides a free "mid-day meal" from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday to Friday to anyone who is in need.

Individuals in need can also apply to receive food boxes of non-perishable items up to six times a year, but one must qualify by providing an ID and proof of income and expenses.

Love said he believes food insecurity is a rising problem among college students because "food stamps are not going as far. The government programs have actually cut back on food stamps, and the cost of food is rising,” he said. "People get food stamps at the beginning of the month and then it runs out, and they come to us at the end of the month," he said.

According to the College and University Food Bank Alliance, outside food assistance options, such as the Salvation Army, are not always viable solutions for food insecure students.

"College students often have limited transportation options and community-based food resources are typically not located close to campuses,” the organization’s website states. “Additionally, college students, while food insecure, might not meet community-based agency requirements and/or may be uncomfortable in accessing services off campus."

Food banks on campus, however, such as the WKU Food Pantry, provide a more accessible option for students.

The WKU Food Pantry is located in the Office of Sustainability on 503 Regents Avenue, and can be accessed Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., or by appointment.