Abstract
On average, more than half of community college students in the United States struggle with food insecurity, which is significant considering that community colleges enroll nearly half of the student population that begins college (Cohen & Brawer, 2003; Goldrick-Rab et al., 2017). Food insecurity occurs when one experiences uncertain availability or limited access to adequate foods (Fincher et al., 2018). Community college students’ health, well-being, and academic success are at a greater risk than students at four-year institutions, especially considering the diverse demographic of community college students (Goldrick-Rab et al., 2017). As the impacts of food insecurity are being recognized as a national health issue within higher education, many institutions have established food pantries on campus as an effort to support students struggling with food insecurity. Food pantries are a crucial first step that can provide immediate relief to students in need. Yet, it is also critical for community colleges to have other services in conjunction with traditional pantries to provide more than just non- perishable foods, as well as give students the knowledge and skills that can serve as protective factors against food insecurity in the long run. This research brief will examine how five community colleges within Washington State operate their food pantries, as well as other resources or services that further support students at risk of food insecurity.
Recommended Citation
Huynh, Steffi
(2021)
"Student Hunger: Addressing Food Insceurity Among Community College Students in Washington State,"
MAGIS: Vol. 15:
Iss.
1, Article 11.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/magis/vol15/iss1/11