People who are hungry have a harder time concentrating. People who have a harder time contrasting fall behind in their classes and either fail, drop out, or just disappear into the abyss. The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reports that nearly 60% of college students are food insecure. That is a staggering figure! With approximately 13% of American households having a hard time securing
sufficient food, college students would then be five times more likely to experience food insecurity.
From California to the East Coast, some governments require all public colleges and universities to operate food pantries while other institutions operate food pantries because they know the need exists. I teach in an are which the neighborhood (designated as a super neighborhood by Houston) is a food desert. There is not one grocery store in the area. In order to get fresh fruit and vegetables at a reasonable price (reasonable meaning cheaper than what is for sale at corner mini markets) people have to drive or take buses outside of the neighborhood. Although there has not been a study of food insecurity at my campus, I would not be surprised if the percentage of students who go hungry are higher than the campuses in the suburbs. However, there seems to be no agreement on the numbers or percentages of food insecurity among college and university students. But it seems that West Coast schools might be taking the lead in addressing this issue.
To get a handle on the scope of the need here at my campus, we need to poll the students. But before that we need to get every professor on board.
I believe getting professor on board will definitely help. I think the info is needed to make any kind change. One thing I witnessed that gets students attention is free food so if there is some type of survey with a free piece of pizza the kids will definitely take advantage. The big problem I see is honest answers most will be too ashamed to answer honestly or ask for the help.
ReplyDeleteFood insecurity is indeed becoming a serious issue in the contemporary world, not only in the United States but in other parts of the world too. It is time that this problem is ardently addressed. The government and other stakeholders should work together to find numerous ways of tackling this problem. Just as alluded to in the document, a hungry student cannot concentrate on his or her studies. Many students have indeed dropped out of school due to lack of food and proper care. This problem mostly affects low-income families. That is why the government should work with other bodies to find a way of dealing with this matter.
ReplyDeleteFood insecurity is linked with a rancorous and long-term cycle of bad health. This makes the government spend money in taking care of the sick nation. Communities may fail to import food due to increased foreign exchange, and this hinders the flow of food. The country needs to have enough resources to increase food supply. Some of the factors leading to food insecurity include poor environmental conditions like drought and other issues like poverty. It means that the government and other stakeholders should be aware of these and address them.
In conclusion, the article is very informative and challenges the government and the people involved to think differently. It is a timely conversation that the public should engage in. Young people are affected by this matter. It implies that if it is not addressed, the future generation would be weak and sick. The government would spend more money taking care of the sick and the malnourished. Therefore, this conversation is important.
Food insecurity is another issue that I have never heard of, and it is something I would like to learn more about. It sounds very serious because hunger is something no one should ever have to go through, and if they are they should be helped and informed about the resources available to them. Colleges should survey their students to find out these types of things or how else will they know if their students are struggling with the decision of buying food over books and classes for school. Colleges should do food drives and donate canned goods and hand it out to the students in need. They should also announce it at campuses, and to the community to spread the word about students going through food insecurity. And in that way more people can help by donating food or by volunteering to gather food for students facing this problem because they should not have to go through it without help.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Oxford Dictionary, Food Insecurity is the state of being without reliable access to enough quantity of affordable, nutrition food. Food Insecure make student struggling to buy food because of a lack of money. This poor diet can affect the study and the physical health of a student. I remember when I was in high school. A friend of mine was always passing-out. When the doctor asked her why, she explained by the lack of food. Her grade was always low because she did not have a good and healthy mental to study. Many students are going to the same issues of food Insecurity. Our body need food to be healthy so that we will be able (for a student) to study and (for others) to work easily. Food Insecure can lead to serious health complication and damage a student ability to learn and grow, especially when student facing hunger are obligate to make a choice between food and medicine.
ReplyDeleteFood insecurity is a problem many tend to shy away from and avoid seeking help for as it can be a topic that may bring uneasiness to those being affected. What many don't know is that it's a problem that affects many, especially those living within food desserts where access to affordable food is scarce. Food insecurities become a bigger issue as many of those suffering from it are more susceptible to diseases like obesity as they will tend to go for the cheaper food, which often is fast food options or very processed unhealthy food rather than the pricier fresh produce. The resources many of these institutions of higher education are beginning to offer, such as the food pantries, are a great way to serve those less privileged suffering from such insecurities. As a community we should make sure issues like this are addressed in order to create an environment where everyone can succeed.
ReplyDeleteThe alarming nature and effects caused by the food insecurity in college and university campuses is a major concern in student’s life. Convinced that there is a considerable shortage of food on campuses that are significantly affecting the progress and performance of students in school. There are several studies that support this; many students across the US have reported having trouble accessing the supply of nutritious food which has affected their ability to learn. It mentions that while the issue of food insecurity is already a challenge for some of the American households it is far much worse in college and campuses which correspond with the findings done by research institutions that indicate that over half of the two-year and four-year students were food insecure. Any person can suffer from hunger, although there are students who are at more risk than others, for example, students of minority background who have had to suspend their education briefly because of financial constraints. This has either resulted in students finding alternative foods and often fast food which puts them at the risk of developing health problems.
ReplyDeleteIt is therefore clear from the blog that food insecurity in campuses is indeed a problem. Although some of the institution, i.e., on the east of coastline, are on the forefront of confronting the issue. However, most of the institutions affected by the issue have not done any survey to find the exact percentage of food shortage. It is vital that college and university institutions take the initiative of launching polls to find out the extent of the problem to come up with solutions. There is also need to promote food security in campuses especially for the sake of students’ success.
FOOD INSECURITY
ReplyDeleteAs the world population continues to increase, resources continue to decrease in size, limiting the earth’s capacity to sustain this population. While, several radical ideas have emerged to combat the huge population growth. Inadequate food supply resulting from either economic factors or physical factors greatly impairs the normal growth and development of an individual. In children, food security is associated with innumerable nutrient-related diseases, while in adults it increases the likelihood of a person experiencing adverse health outcomes. It also worth noting that proper management of illnesses is largely dependent on the nutrition of an individual. Looking at diseases such as diabetes, nutrition is an instrumental part of treatment, and such aspects such as quality and timing of the food is essential. I believe in the saying that “no one think rationally in an empty stomach”, food security is important factor in college education. Students whose parents can provide their daily meals concentrates more in class than those that attend class in an empty stomach. Pantries should be made available to all students to bridge this barrier - Chinyelu Okoye
For students, it is often difficult to take a break for lunch between 9 am and 5 pm. They buy ready-to-eat meals, which leads to expenses. The need to provide culturally sensitive foods, which are generally more difficult to find on campus. 60% of students are food insecure.
ReplyDeleteThe cost of food, tuition fees, and housing costs are among the factors that prevent students from buying quality food in enough quantities. Financial barriers, such as low income and the high and rising cost of living, affect food insecurity more than difficult access to food.
In addition, universities have long been attended by children from wealthy families. They have been welcoming students from other socio-economic backgrounds for only a generation, sometimes even less. Universities must find ways to reduce costs for students.
There is one observation that shows that students living alone outside university residences, graduate students and international students were overrepresented among those facing food insecurity.
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ReplyDeleteFor me, food insecurity is alarming to colleges and universities students. This is a serious problem that is very necessary to be solved as soon as possible. Colleges and universities students with limited financial resources often spend money for buying the insecure food in their campus, on the street, or buying fast food at some stores. These foods might not be nutritious enough for colleges and universities students to protect their health from risk factors. When colleges and universities students don’t have enough nutritious foods – the main reason makes them hungry, they cannot concentrate on their study. It takes them longer time to acquire lessons or lectures from their professors. This also affects to their educational quality and their time as well. Depending on each student’s financial resources, they will spend their money for food efficiently. For these lucky students, they aren’t facing with the food insecurity, but this issue still continues with others who don’t have enough money to pay for their tuition fee, their school supplies, and their living expenses as well. Anyway, schools, some organizations, or community should have some programs to support and provide the nutritious food for colleges and universities students, and help them to fight with the food insecurity issue is happening.
ReplyDeleteFood insecurity is an overlooked way of living life when going to college. Some people may think that it is easy for college students to successfully find something to eat every so often while others view it as a struggle to come across time to eat. These students can come across different barriers such as dealing with finances, or lack of time. Not eating can result in difficulty to concentrate on work and eventually doing bad in classes. Despite federal food assistance and private charitable programs, food insecurity is a persistent national problem. This can also lead to physical health problems, emotional problems and academics. Limited income, high food costs and poor food support systems are also some of the leading factors in the US according to many studies. Wondering why are these issues still around with little to no solutions can become problematic. There needs to be a more stable, efficient way to get these students to eat more and regularly without having to think about the obstacles that come in the way of eating daily.
ReplyDeleteAs a college student, Food insecurity at times can be a major factor in a students success. Many students portray as if they have no problems; however, several college students are going through food insecurity, which leads to loss of concentration, starvation, depression and personal insecurity. Food insecurity happens because not many people are not fortunate enough to be able to afford food or snacks. Although there are many food banks and industries which provide food for college students, some are still left without the opportunity to receive the food. While attending school, these students aren’t receiving the proper nutrients which causes many students to lack concentration and may lead to failure for the course or even semester. I believe every school should have a program to help these students with food insecurity receive food, or a job on campus to make money to be able to purchase food. The problem will only get worse without any support from our city or schools. As far with the students, every student deserves to be fully concentrated and ready to learn without anything holding them back.
ReplyDeleteI am aware that food insecurity among college students exists but to read that nearly 60% of college students do not have an adequate food supply is shocking. I know there are parents that believe once a child graduate high school they are on their own and need to find their own way and there are families that are barely providing food within their homes so sending money to their college student for food is not possible. We all know that you cannot learn if you are not mentally alert and food fuels the body so daily meals are a necessity to succeeding in college. Finding out where the need exists is a first step and the support of all professors is vital to addressing this issue. It is disturbing to live in one of the richest countries in the world and know that there are people who go hungry every day.
ReplyDeleteFood Insecurity
ReplyDeleteFood Insecurity is not having reliable access to nutritious food. In the Greater Houston area an estimated 724,750 individuals are food-insecure. Surveys show that Houstonians have to make choices when food insecure, Houstonians have also learned coping strategies, and millions of Americans are facing serious problems with hunger.
The Hunger in America 2014 survey shows that houstonian households who visit charitable food programs have to choose between food and important needs. For example, 66% of houstonians choose between food and medical care. 69% of houstonians choose between food and utilities. 67% of houstonians choose between food and transportation. 57% of houstonians choose between food and housing because of this, houstonians have learned several coping strategies to meet food needs. A couple of coping strategies houstonians use are receiving help from friends, watering down foods and drinks, purchasing inexpensive unhealthy food, selling or pawning personal property, and growing food. Most people just see how others deal with food insecurity and not how it actually affects those who are food insecure. Millions of Americans are facing serious problems with hunger. People who are food insecure are at risk for developing chronic illnesses like heart disease or unable to manage existing chronic illnesses. The youth specifically who are potentially facing food insecurity usually find themselves having depression, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse.
Although college is a place of education and higher learning, I believe that food should be of easy access. There are times where I find myself hungry in class, and although I am listening to my instructor my mind does wonder off to food for some seconds. In this time, I can miss an important detail said by my instructor and be lost in assignments. In my school, Houston Community College there is food in the vending machines and the book store, but just like it says in “Food insecurity” they are overpriced. For example, chips that are at the store for 2 for $1 are in the vending machine for $1.50 or also the Nature Valley bars they sell them for $1.50 when you can get the box at the store for $2.98. Many students might not have the time to have a meal before school, because they might go straight to school right after work or are in a rush in the mornings. Therefore, I agree that Houston Community College should have a pantry. For it would benefit me in helping me stay focused in class along with other students.
ReplyDeleteFood insecurity is a serious issue that can affect a student’s thought process in their schoolwork. Such as completing their homework, assignments, and even studying for an upcoming exam can be difficult when a student is hungry and there’s no food in the house. Each student has their own reason for why they are suffering from food insecurity, such as being homeless or coming from a poor family that doesn’t have enough money to pay for groceries. The most important idea is that the human body needs food, to function properly throughout the day. For example, I had an experience last Spring Semester when I took a four-hour government class on a Saturday because my original government class got canceled because of lack of students. One day I skipped breakfast and went to school without taking anything to eat along the way. For those four hours, I could not concentrate on what my professor was lecturing about. I was incapable of focusing while my stomach was grumbling every fifteen minutes and the only thing that could keep me going was drinking my water bottle. The worst part of all was getting headaches in the end for not eating anything before coming to class. From that experience, I always make sure to not skip a meal and to always keep a snack around in case I feel hungry. Being a student here in HCC Southeast, I have also noticed that student organizations create events that offer free food to all current HCC students. Recently, there was an event to bring awareness to “Hispanic Heritage Culture” in the Student Life Building where they offered free pupusas, tacos, rice, and beans. As well for the welcoming of the “New Student Life Coordinator” where they offered free pizza to all students. In my opinion, I believe that is very beneficial to many students who suffer from food insecurity and eat a free meal.
ReplyDeleteFood Insecurity is a underrated problem not only in the U.S but also the in
ReplyDeleteWorld , people hardly realize the situation going on around them mostly every where
luckily some do notice the problem and find many ways to help the Food Insecurity
Problem go down. Theres many organizations and food banks, places going around
donating food For the cause. Food Insecurity can effect anyone there’s no age limit , new
borns to elders impacting their life in many horrible ways Theres many strategies that can help and stop food insecurity over time , Nearly 1 billion
Suffer from food insecurity around the world even tho we already make enough/produce
Food , its kinda sad , but we can prevent that by simple using fertilizers more efficiently ,
meaning fertilizers with nitrogen and phosphorus on wheat, rice and maize crops could be
reduced by 13-29 percent and still produce the same. One of the big ones its to reduce
food waste, 30% to 50% globaly is food products going to waste because of food
preparation and food storages , there’s prove that reducing food waste in the United States,
India and China could feed 413 million people per year .
“Food insecurity” is the lack of nutritional food. It’s the experience of not knowing if you’ll have enough to pay for your next meal, and often means having to choose between paying for necessities. The issue arises when many students opt to go hungry because they need to use their limited funds for other life necessities, like rent, tuition and other student needs.
ReplyDeleteJust as institutions are beginning to act, so students themselves are addressing food insecurity, often creatively. At UCLA, Swipe Out Hunger, a student-run organization, has teamed with some 20 other universities, devising solutions that include arranging for excess money on a student’s meal plan to be donated in the form of food to pantries, or applying those funds to food vouchers for students.
And now, lawmakers are beginning to respond as well. Working its way through the California state legislature is the College Student Hunger Relief Act of 2016, a measure that, if enacted, would enable food banks to work with college food pantries and require both public and private colleges to participate in restaurant meals programs in their counties.
So food insecurity is real — a problem that needs to remain a headline item. Think about the impact this issue is having on the next generation of leaders in our nation. So going back to California: is it acceptable that about 200,000 college students, in the UC and CSU systems, living in the richest state in the nation, have “food insecurity” or exist on a high sodium and high fat diet?
Everyone knows about the “starving student” stereotype – the coffee-fueled, late night studier, who eats Ramen on the regular. But, for many students, this life isn’t a choice. It’s not glamorous or humorous – it’s a daily battle with the reality of the situation they’re in: a life they cannot afford. This issue is especially rampant at colleges and universities that enroll a high percentage of first-generation or lower-income students that likely cannot afford college expenses in addition to their other needs. I chose this topic because it reminds me my past, I benefitted from college food pantry for 15 months but now am a proud food donnor. I strongly support the efforts of, Swipe Out Hunger, a student-run organization at UCLA. That’s who we are…. food donor
Food insecurity is an issue I have seen for most of my life in school. For instance, when I was in elementary, middle school, or high school, I would always see students who would always grab lunch from the cafeteria. There wouldn’t be a day in which they didn’t eat. One of my friends used to always be hungry before lunch and would always be in this ravenous rage. And if he saw another student who didn’t eat their meal, he would offer to eat it, asking people for their leftovers. Till one day I was curious and asked in why he always ate like he hadn’t ate in days. He said that at home, his parents barely made ends meet with what they got paid at their jobs, and many of the times, they wouldn’t have enough for a meal. Leaving them to go to bed hungry.
ReplyDeleteFood insecurity is originated in how prices of high nutritious and healthy meals are going up every single year. Their value going up, while people’s salaries remain at the same level. Rent goes up, school supplies start to rise in value, cars repairs are in urgent need and bills every month. This causes a bunch of stress on people trying to keep up with their budget and making sure they don’t get behind. Instead of being behind on rent and not wanting to be homeless, people would rather skip a meal than to have their families out in the streets. According to the Hunger in America 2014 survey, many households who visit charitable food programs make difficult choices in order to meet basic needs. 66% debate on food versus medical expenses, 69% on food versus utilities, 67% on food versus transportation and 57% on food and housing.
I work at a grocery store and I see how people sometimes struggle to even afford a week’s worth of groceries. Complaining how prices are just rising while they work hard long hours for the same pay. Seeing no difference in their check. Leading to parents sometimes not having enough to feed their children, leaving with hungriness and tiredness. Causing them to start doing bad in school because they can’t concentrate on the material all because the sound of their stomach won’t leave them alone.
Food insecurity is an issue that many students in our colleges and universities go through. Not having the right nutritional balance can affect students academically, for example, staying awake, concentration, and being engaged in class. These three characteristics are prominent techniques that students need to do well in class. Every student has their own reason as to why they are dealing with food insecurity. Being homeless or not having enough money to buy food — eating is an essential factor that can determine someone's outcome in their day. Our bodies get the nutrients from the food that we eat and create information and materials that we need to function correctly. For instance, just by eating breakfast can completely change how someone lives. Eating breakfast can cause someone to have a lower BMI, consuming less fat, and having better performance. Breakfast is just one meal out of 3-4 other meals people need to function. This only shows how important it is to have food on a day to day basis. I believe that it is crucial to have different programs at schools from elementary to college that help deal with food insecurity. I have personally seen how much of an impact giving food to kids is by volunteering at schools. I know that the Houston Food Bank goes to schools to give out food, and I am a firm believer in opening more programs for students of all ages to receive food for them and their families.
ReplyDeleteHearing about Food insecurity doesn’t surprise me as much because I recently found out that many college students suffer from housing insecurities. This is certainly a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Having college students starve or not having enough food to suffice them is unacceptable. This problem makes it hard for students to keep up with their assignments as well as affect their health because they are not getting enough nutrients and necessary vitamins which influences their attendance in school. This not only is affecting them educationally but health wise as well. A person who doesn’t receive the adequate calorie intake is more prone to an illness due to a weaker immune system because they are not receiving enough energy from food to fight off illnesses. This influences their attendance in school as well as their performance. To fix this crisis many colleges should offer hot breakfasts and dinner. They should use the same systems that high schools use with their students. They should hand out forms that will require students to fill out personal information on their economy status. This will provide the college information on the number of students who suffer from food insecurity based on their parent’s income. If high schools can provide students who don’t pay a high tuition like college students do with a hot meal and lunch, I believe colleges can too. This will not only benefit many students by feeding them but also by allowing them to perform better in their classes.
ReplyDeleteI personally can't believe the words Food Insecurity and America are discussed in the same breath. I grew up in a poor environment, so I completely understand this issue, especially concerning students. I think if we were taught agriculture in school and allowed to grow our own food, we as a country would be in a better position. I believe it would benefit students if Professors united and talked to the schools about food insecurities and starting a garden on the campuses. The Professors could express their concern about students not being able to focus and retain the information being taught in class due to lack of nutrition and possibly starting a non-profit organization aimed to help less-fortunate students. The non-profit organization could address the food and housing insecurities of students while teaching them the importance of agriculture and proper financial planning, these are two subjects that we weren’t taught in public school.
ReplyDeleteAs a full time student and part time worker, I understand how hard it is to be able to make time to eat. I find when I do not eat, I tend to get angry easily and lose focus on the task that I am doing. Food insecurity should not be an issue with students, especially students that are trying to make ends meet by working and going to school. Being from the west coast, I moved to Texas to be able to afford to go to school, have a home and work. I know that in the west coast like you stated, there are many schools that have food pantries for their students. I have found that colleges that have these programs are an amazing asset for their students. The students are able to study more, concentrate in school and have the adequate nutrition to work throughout the day. Being a struggling student and personally going thru food draught is a horrible feeling, going to sleep hungry and wondering when your next meal will be is not something anyone should go thru. More teachers and students need to bring these issues into the perspective of the school body. There are many programs for low-income families and ex-drug abusers, why is there not a food program for students? Healthier students and habits lead to a better tomorrow and future. We need to realize the severity of this issue and take action!
ReplyDeleteI feel that no one should have food insecurities if they give away free food to the people in jail. It may not be the best food but hey it's free to them. People in jail automatically eats three times a day whereas hard working citizens have to scramble up enough money to watch their children eat because there isn’t enough for them. Americans work too hard for the food source to be scarce. Young children in school gets denied for lunch if their parents do not have enough money to give them for lunch. The child is hungry throughout the day and cannot learn because all they can think about is where they will get their next meal from. Then there are some children who come to school just for food because they do not have any at home. Once they leave school it is a possibility that they will not eat again until they arrive at school the next morning. The price of food is steadily increasing, and if a person wants to eat healthy they cannot afford to do so. Many food banks are around but most Americans are embarrassed or afraid to go and receive the help they need because of the backlash they may receive afterwards.
ReplyDeleteFood insecurity is defined as the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable nutritious food.Some people face food insecurities when attending college. For example, students have difficulty in choosing nutritious food because of their economic situations.This causes students to choose cheap and innutritious food. As a result, students have difficulty grasping the lecture and even go to bed hungry.According to clasp.org 20 to 30 percent of college students experiences food insecurity.On ONE occasion my family and I went grocery shopping at WalMart on Wayside Dr.I was passing by the aisle of instant ramen noddles and saw this University of Houston students with two 24 cases of ramen. I asked why do you have too many ramen noddles? they responded,"that's all we can afford we are in a 20 dollar budget of food weekly".Perplex i grabbed their shopping cart and added eggs, bread, milk, ham, and coke.In the end, i gave them 10 dollars to pay for the groceries.At the exit of WalMart, we said bye and learned each other's names john and mike.
ReplyDeleteFood Insecurity is a big issue in many colleges and universities, but these many colleges tend to ignore this problem. They focus on the student's grades but they do not focus on the possible roots of this issue, and one of them is food insecurity. Food insecurity has also affected me in class. When I am in class and I did not eat breakfast, I tend to be sleepy throughout the lesson, and when my stomach rumbles, the only thing I can do is worry about the noises my stomach produced. There should be more food banks in our community, no one should go through this mishap.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of food insecurity, the first thing that comes into my mind is the Houston Food Bank because of some volunteering I used to do there during high school. After visiting their website, I couldn’t find any hunger-relief programs related to colleges or universities. The Houston Food Bank has their Backpack Buddy program for K-12 students and their School Market program for middle and high school students. A Houston Food Bank partnership with colleges in low income and minority background areas like the Southeast HCC campus would be beneficial, since those are risk factors that make food hunger more likely. Low income and minority students also reported “often eating fast food, which aligns with studies that have found a higher rate of obesity among those who don’t have enough nutritious food available” (affordablecollegesonline.org). In my opinion, it makes sense that some college students are experiencing a hunger problem, especially when one must pay for tuition or books. When it comes to a university, meal plans can be expensive to some students, so they might even buy small meals like Ramen noodles, and venture around campus looking for free food to save money.
ReplyDelete