The Right to Food on College Campuses
College students, staff, and faculty are handling a lot!
Students are transitioning into adulthood, learning, and exploring their careers and interests. Staff and faculty devote their time and livelihoods to students while supporting themselves and their families at home. We are juggling many responsibilities: trying to earn a living, pay for housing, transportation, childcare, and, hey, don’t forget books, calculators, art supplies, and lab coats. Paying for food often comes last in our minds - when our wallets are empty. It’s hard to afford food and make sure we are eating healthy meals.
40%
Of Massachusetts College students reported food insecurity in 2024
1/4
Of the student population at UMass Amherst are food insecure
33%
Of UMass Amherst staff struggle with food insecurity
A healthy diet is foundational for academic and professional success.
Eating lower-quality or less food negatively affects our ability to learn, work, and even stay awake in class. Food insecurity also affects our ability to cope with stress associated with multiple deadlines, exams, and busy schedules. When we worry about where we will get our next meal, we can't focus on school, work, or personal relationships. Those cheap canned soups and ramen noodles are not good for our hearts, either.
There has got to be a better way.
Together we can build a rights-based strategy that ends hunger on college campuses. That means no more hunger for us today. And no more hunger for students in the future.
Breakout Discussion Questions:
- Where are there gaps & challenges in current efforts, or what efforts are missing?
- What could the right to food look like on campus?
- What do we need to achieve this vision?
- How can students help ensure the right to food on campus?