Food insecurity and lack of stable housing are issues that many college students are facing all over the United States.
At Fresno State, we look to help tackle barriers to student success, both inside and outside the classroom, through many different basic needs programs.
In an effort to understand hunger and homelessness, it is important to know some basic definitions:
- Food insecurity refers to the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable and nutritious food.
- Homelessness or housing insecurity refers to someone who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence; this might include living in a hotel/motel, campgrounds, shelter, couch surfing or a primary nighttime residence not meant for sleeping.
In a recent study done by the CSU chancellor’s office, 43.7 percent of Fresno State students surveyed reported some level of food insecurity, and 2.8 percent reported some experience with housing insecurity in the last 12 months.
Programs like the Student Cupboard offer students access to free food and hygiene items to help reduce food insecurity.
Students are able to come in once per day to receive up to one of each item to fill one basket of food.
Students are also able to receive pre-screening and application assistance for CalFresh, which could provide them up to $192 each month in money for healthy groceries.
Since opening in November 2014, the Student Cupboard has helped more than 11,700 students by providing them access to food to reduce food insecurity.
Project HOPE is a case management program where students are able to seek support with accessing services on and off campus.
This might include emergency housing, food assistance, counseling and more.
The Project HOPE team works with students to build or strengthen their support systems and follow up with students to help them stay on track toward success.
By partnering with United Way 211, Project HOPE is able to make sure students have easy access to resources to help remove barriers. Â
If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing food or housing insecurity, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. We want to help you be successful at Fresno State.
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