We often think about college as a carefree time where you meet your best friends and go through some of the biggest moments of our lives. What we don't think about is the harsh reality faced by ourselves and our peers.
While many live on campus and have access to meal plans and others live at home with access to food, the middle ground gets lost in the conversation.
In most cases when you're hungry you can take a trip to a hobby shop or restaurant on campus or nearby, but that isn't the issue.
Being food insecure does not mean that there isn't food available to you, but rather there is no affordable food that also holds nutritional value.
It's easy to forget that the cheapest foods are often the most unhealthy. That being said, it's not hard to understand why people will purchase these less nutritious options if this is an issue they face.
In reality, it may not be a choice. Getting food with less nutritional value is seen as the best way to get your money's worth. Foods with preservatives last longer than fresh foods, meaning those meals can be stretched out further than those consisting of fresh items.
Due to the longevity of the product and the fact they are less expensive, it completely makes sense as to why people purchase these products.
Paying for classes and books takes its toll on students everywhere. Add to that additional bills from phones, credit cards, utilities, and rent, the total adds up.
Most students have a job, and a majority have more than one, but what about when food comes into the mix? Gas?
Oftentimes, it's a choice of importance. If I don't eat I run the risk of getting sick or passing out. If I don't get gas I won't get to work and run the risk of losing my job and lose money in the process.
Budgeting as you might, there never seems to be enough for the necessities, suddenly finding yourself facing a difficult decision.
While it's an important reality check, food insecurity is terrifying.
When you're hungry, you don't perform your best. Not only can a lack of nutrients lead you to become sick, but it can also lead you to suffer academically. Everyday tasks become much more taxing as your stomach is in pain and your head is pounding.
While steps have been taken to help with food insecurity around college campuses, it's important to recognize that there is still work to be done.
This issue isn't talked about often, but it is critical. So many individuals around the country face this issue every single day, and it is essential that we recognize this issue doesn't just affect the homeless, families, or the unemployed, but it affects our peers as well.
Resources are available, but it's up to all of us to ensure these resources remain available to those in need.
