COLLEGE HUNGER AND FOOD RESOURCES

Everyone knows the stereotype of the broke college student surviving on packs of instant ramen noodles. The cliché has made its way into popular culture and has long been considered just a part of college; some may go as far to say it is a rite of passage.

The reality is, many college students struggle to cover basic needs. Those who don’t have family support are more likely to face challenges affording food. Prior to the pandemic, food insecurity was a common issue among college students, but now the COVID pandemic has exacerbated the problem.

According to a 2020 study conducted jointly by Chegg, Swipe Out Hunger, and the Born This Way Foundation, 29% of college students have missed a meal at least once a week since the beginning of the pandemic. At least 49% of students who also are parents have experienced food insecurity, compared to 27% of students who are not parents. And overall, 51% of all students have reached out to family for food support, while 24% say they had to take out loans to cover the cost of food.

It’s not easy to concentrate on an empty stomach. Students who experience food insecurity have decreased academic achievement, earning lower grades than other students. Hunger can also cause a delay in graduating from college by forcing students to start and stop school.

Consuming cheap food such as instant ramen can affect academic performance, as well. According to Healthline, most instant ramen noodles lack important nutrients the body needs to function properly – including protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B-12, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Not to mention, the packaged noodle meals are also packed with sodium, around 1,150 mg or more per serving

(U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day).

What’s more, students facing hunger have increased symptoms of depression, such as feeling sad, tired, and lack of interest – and these symptoms impact their schooling.

There is also the added stigma for people having difficulty affording food. Embarrassment and shame can prevent students from seeking help. Students who are wanting to ask for help may not know where to find it. A study conducted by The Hope Center found that 52% of students who faced food or housing insecurity in 2020 didn’t apply for any support programs because they didn’t know how.

All this paints a rather bleak picture.

But for Mt. Hood students, there’s good news: MHCC Student Basic Needs is here to help, dedicated to connecting students with resources they need to support their academic goals. Students can utilize these resources to help overcome barriers that get in the way of their success.

Barney’s Pantry is an on-campus food bank that was created for MHCC students by students, currently available by appointment only inside the Student Union on the main Gresham campus. Fill out a pantry request form online, and a staff member will get in touch with you to schedule a pickup time for a food box.

The Pantry staff can also help challenged students with WinCo Grocery Cards, SNAP Benefits, loaner laptops, WiFi hotspots, emergency bus passes, gas cards, and housing.

MHCC Student Basic Needs also connects students with no-cost professional counseling services and referrals for support services related to depression, stress management, anxiety, and suicide. For more on MHCC Student Resources, see: https://www.mhcc.edu/StudentResources/

Sources:

https://www.chegg.org/covid-19-food-insecurity-2020

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ramen-noodles#sodium

https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/college-students-food-insecurity/

https://www.phillyvoice.com/college-students-struggling-money-rent-food-insecurity-cares-act-temple/