Why Food Insecurity on College Campuses is Worse Than Ever

More students than ever are sacrificing their basic needs in order to obtain a degree. Hitting the books and skipping meals has become a norm for many college students in America. But why?

A college degree is almost mandatory in today’s society to obtain financial stability. Gail Mellow at the New York Times explains that even a two year degree can earn an individual up to 20% more in their lifetime than without one. However, earning this degree is a large financial commitment that many are not prepared for. Many students face the issue of needing a degree to be financially stable in the future but not having the money to meet their basic needs as they earn their degree.

Many assume college students to be within the ages of 18–22 and financially dependent. This is often not the case- more college students than ever are nontraditional students. According to the New York Times, 25% of modern undergraduate students are over the age of 25 and about the same amount are also single mothers. These students have a much heavier financial burden to support others financially and emotionally, as well as themselves. These students are often sacrificing their own nutrition for their family.

The cost of earning a degree has become heftier in recent years. According to CNBC, the cost of college has increased by more than 25% in the past ten years. This includes both tuition as well as goods and services. With the rise in cost of education along with the rise of nontraditional students, more individuals than ever are forced to choose between their basic food needs and their education.

Students are not able to perform to their highest academic ability when they are not receiving proper nutrients. According to the Center for Disease Control, “lack of adequate consumption of specific foods is associated with lower grades among students.” With lower grades, comes lower graduation rates. This reinforces financial instability in a family, which can often continue the cycle of food insecurity.

Among these other present factors, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major spike in food insecurity. A recent report from the Hope Center for College shows that 3 out of 5 students during the pandemic have experienced some lack of basic needs. These numbers, both before and during the pandemic, are higher for students of color, who are now also a larger percent of college students.

Food insecurity is a continuous issue with many factors involved. Worsening over the years with the rise of costs associated with education, the pandemic has emphasized this ongoing problem. With financial hardship seemingly no where close to out the door, it can only be expected for food insecurity on college campuses to worsen.