Food for Thought

No Student Hungry, Food for All

Much like the national campaign No Kid Hungry®, there are many students at colleges throughout the United States that are barely getting by, some putting their nourishment behind paying for college and all of the expenses that go along with college; tuition, books, rent, utilities, to name a few. The USDA average monthly cost of food for a college-age student for a moderate-cost food plan, following the recommended Food plans, is $223.55.

According to Education Data, in 2018:

• Nearly 25% of high school students considered middle class indicated they were not planning to attend college because of the expense
• In 2018, an average of 45% of students experienced frequent food insecurity
• Over 50% of students from 2-year institutions and 44% of 4-year students worried about running out of food
• Nearly 50% of students could not afford balanced meals

Many students who are struggling just to keep up with the cost of college even while working and getting loans, often feel uncomfortable saying anything about struggling to maintain a balanced diet. As a college student who relied on school loans, I would often make light of this, kidding around and saying my meals consisted of ramen noodles. But knowing the importance of a healthy diet plays on one’s health, sleep patterns, stress, capacity to think, and be strong mentally and physically, it is not a joking manner. Fortunately, many campuses today recognize this problem and have addressed it by having Food Pantries. At most universities, it is referred to as food insecurity; basically, referring to students not having access to nutritious groceries on a regular basis.

At IU, they have the Crimson Cupboard Food Pantry. The Pantry offers free food to IU students who otherwise cannot afford it. The only proof a student needs is their current IU ID and they need to sign a waiver form. The Crimson Cupboard operates on the honor system, they ask for no financial information. At your first visit to the pantry, students will be asked to complete a form, which asks for general personal and demographic information. At each following visit, you will be asked your name. Students can visit the pantry once a week. The pantry is located in Campus View Apartments at 800 North Union Street. The hours vary so call 812-855-1924 or check the CrimsonCupboardIU Facebook page for additional updates.

If you know of a student that needs this resource, you should absolutely share this information. They are very discreet about respecting the privacy of those that are in need, whether temporarily or long-term. And, if you are more fortunate than others, the Food for Thought Pantry accepts donations, both monetary and food. You can even volunteer at the Pantry, helping to label, sort, and stock donated food items.

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