Skip Navigation

ZagOn: Gonzaga's COVID-19 Response

Information on booster and testing requirements for the start of the Spring semester. Plus FAQs, dashboard, and more. Visit gonzaga.edu/ZagOn

  • University Navigation University Navigation
  • Search Button
Search Button
s
Close Menu

Gonzaga Home

  • About
  • Academics
  • Admission
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • myGU

College & Schools

  • Online Graduate Programs
  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • School of Business Administration
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering & Applied Science
  • School of Law
  • School of Leadership Studies
  • School of Nursing & Human Physiology

Info For

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Military & Veterans
  • Parents & Families
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Our Community
  • Basketball Fans
Visit
Apply
Give
Close Menu
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University
  • Search Button
  • Toggle Menu
News, Events & Stories Menu
  • News
  • Events
  • Stories
  • Publications
  • Galleries
News

News

Close Menu
Events

Events

Close Menu
Stories

Stories

Close Menu
Publications

Publications

Close Menu
Galleries

Galleries

Close Menu
  • Home
  • News, Events & Stories
  • Stories
  • Table Talk The Empty Cupboard

Table Talk: The Empty Cupboard


April 01, 2017
|
Kourtney Schott (’18) and Kate Vanskike

Facing Food Insecurity

Food Insecurity: Defined as “being without reliable access to sufficient, affordable, nutritious food.” Also understood as “one  gripping fear: Will I have  enough to eat?”

In years past, food issues concerning college students tended to focus on eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. While those illnesses remain very real, a new trend has emerged as a serious topic of concern in higher education circles: food insecurity.

Last December, CNN cited a growing number of food pantries opening on college campuses and a study showing that more than half of students who self-reported as “food insecure” were also recipients of financial aid from federal grant and private scholarship, and they were employed while in school. 

With all of the seemingly abundant food options on Gonzaga’s campus, it could be hard to fathom that not all students have ready access to nutrition. However, even students who live on campus can find themselves in situations where food may seem a luxury.

“When students get stressed financially, usually one of the first things they try to do is drop their meal plan or try to identify a cheaper alternative,” says Jim White, dean of Student Financial Services. The expense of room and board – which averages about $11,000 for the academic year – can be a challenge for families, and the meal plan is required for freshmen and sophomores.
t doesn’t happen often, but occasionally students do come forward and request help with their food expense and the University (and its food services partner, Sodexo) are happy to help find funding and solutions, White says.

In addition, Gonzaga’s Center for Cura Personalis is reaching out to local services and pantries to include Gonzaga’s unique ZIP code as part of their served areas. Plus, Student Involvement and Leadership has introduced an app called “Corq” that shows on-campus events with a filter for events with free food. This can be a great way for students with food insecurities to get what they need without feeling embarrassed.

Learn More About Help from CCP

Students in Gonzaga’s sociology department are wrapping up research they conducted on campus last fall about the realities of food insecurities among Zags, and what steps we can take to lessen the concerns.

 

You Can Help.

Donations to the Gonzaga Scholars Fund provide assistance to students in need.


Previous Story
Next Story
Share Story
Related Stories
  • Table Talk: Wash Your Bowl
  • Table Talk: The Cog
  • Table Talk: Healthy Bites
  • When Students Suffer

Categories

  • Health & Wellness
  • Student Life
  • Gonzaga Magazine

Subscribe

Subscribe to Messages from Gonzaga University


First Name
Last Name
Email Address *

Get the latest news sent to you as soon as it is published. While the frequency of these emails varies, you’ll typically receive between two and five emails per week, depending on the time of year.

A monthly newsletter sent from August through June that highlights some of our best news, stories and events.


Back to Top
Visit
Apply
Give
Quick Links
  • Maps & Directions
  • Employment at GU
  • Emergency Information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Title IX
  • Consumer Information
  • ZagMail
  • Contact Us
  • Harassment & Discrimination Policy
  • Virtual Tour
  • myGU Intranet
Gonzaga University
502 East Boone Avenue
Spokane, WA 99258-0102
(800) 986.9585
A Jesuit, Catholic, Humanistic University
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube