WSU Vancouver and Clark College provide food pantries in support of hungry students.
Holiday season is approaching quickly and food insecurity — something many college students face — is highlighted more than any other time of the year. Food insecurity, though, does not always mean hunger.
WSU Vancouver professor of human development, Yoshie Sano, said food insecurity is when “families are, at times, uncertain of having or unable to acquire, enough food for all household members because they have insufficient money and other resources for food.”
To combat food insecurity on campus, the Cougar Food Pantry was created as a free resource for all current WSU Vancouver students. Mariah Chapman, food pantry coordinator, explained the services the pantry provides.
“We provide non-perishable, healthy foods for all WSU students and their families,” Chapman said. “Our food pantry provides a variety of canned fruits, vegetables, soups, beans, grains and snacks. We are also mindful of providing vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.”
The Cougar Food Pantry will be open during holiday breaks when the university is open. “We also provide two fresh food events during the holiday season and we have found that many students are very grateful during this time,” Chapman said. “The holidays can be a demanding time where family comes together and it is nice to have food to share with family members.”
According to Chapman, food insecurity is common among college campuses, since the cost of tuition, fees, books and rent can put students in difficult financial situations.
“A few clues to food insecurity across campus may include skipping meals in between classes, snacking throughout the day instead of eating a full meal, experiencing fatigue in class or not performing well academically due to hunger or not having the right energy,” Chapman explained.
Chapman said that college can be a difficult time, so the Cougar Food Pantry tries to address food insecurity and provide students and their families with groceries for the holiday week.
According to Clark College’s Penguin Pantry coordinator, Estanica Cota, students on the Clark College campus have also been experiencing similar food insecurities.
“So far, we have already had 1,100 more people than last year [come in] during the holidays for food,” Cota said.
Clark College has a walk-in pantry for students to come in between classes. Students are allotted three snack items and one drink each day. “Students can also have six grocery items per week and we have a, ‘take as you need’ policy for toiletries,” Cota said.
“I have noticed student food insecurity on campus and I think most people feel the need to help during the holidays, there is a heightened awareness during this time of year,” Cota said.
“A few clues to food insecurity across campus may include skipping meals in between classes, snacking throughout the day instead of eating a full meal, experiencing fatigue in class or not performing well academically due to hunger or not having the right energy.” – Mariah Chapman
For the holidays and the coming breaks, the Cougar Food Pantry has created “giving baskets” for WSU families on Nov. 4 and Nov. 5 and “winter baskets” on Dec. 16 and Dec.17. This event will be located in Firstenburg Student Commons.
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