Food Insecurity at San Francisco State University
“Right now....mmm; I got about 10 bucks in my pocket right now”... "it's just enough to get me home to east bay for the weekend and get food from the McPick 2 for $2.50 at Mcdonald", said Ana Mckeever.
This isn't a distant memory for Ana, in fact she’s had more than once, says Ana. Her new ‘Normal’ since freshman year. Some say it’s a part of the college experience, but does it have to be. The National student Campaign Against Hunger & homeless defines Food insecurity, “ as the lack of reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable, nutritious food, common at colleges and universities across the country, potentially undermining the educational success of untold thousands of students”. A study showed, food insecurity was more prevalent amongst college students. Especially, students of color; where 57 percent of Black or African American students reported food insecurity, compared to 40 percent of non-Hispanic white students. These also includes more than half of all first-generation students (56 percent) like Ana were food insecure, compared to 45 percent of students who had at least one parent who attended college.
This is an enabling problem in our community. Toppoled with the increasing rent in san francisco. A city where the average household income is above $100,000 and raising by 34%. This obviously doesn't include a student's income which makes living in san francisco hard; well unless “you're ballin on budget”. It explains why a majority of students. Some might suggest maybe using CalFresh on campus, but not everyone agrees with government aid. To qualify for to receive benefits, college students must either qualify for work-study programs by income or work 20 hours a week. This isn’t in the deck for all students, especially those who are unaware.
We all eat food, said one of my graduate colleagues. Yes, I know we all have stash of top ramen for those tough weeks, but food insecurity is so much more than that. Food insecurity has been linked to poorer health and academic performance as well as depression and anxiety.
Let’s take action as community. As san francisco native; I’ve learned to navigate the food insecurities most students face. I want to use this @sfsu_gator_healthie platform to share my tips and tricks with other students. Hopefully to reduce food insecurity on our campus. This includes healthy living: living to make healthy choices every day; healthy choices that keep us fit physically, and mentally. This doesn't mean that you have to be pro athlete or a gym junky to be a health person. Check how below don't forget to follow @sfsu_gator_healthie
Some current recipes these week:
Binge on these youtube foodshows:
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References:
1. https://studentsagainsthunger.org/hunger-on-campus/