Food Insecurity is a pervasive issue impacting lower income college students. According to the U.S Government Office of Accountability, 23% of college students, about 3.8 million, experienced food insecurity in 2020 (U.S. GAO). This issue is especially rampant in Chicago as a 2024 survey found this percentage to be closer to 50% in city colleges (Prescott).With the rising cost of tuition and the competing responsibilities of rent, school supplies and other basic necessities, many students have little left after for a balanced nutritious meal. Inadequate nutrition is detrimental for college students as it limits academic success by exasperating mental health and limiting student’s capacity to focus (Wickline). In fact, a recent study published to the NIH found that college students facing food insecurity are 41% less likely to graduate (Hagedorn-Hatfield).  

Loyola University Chicago has three food pantries, not largely known or visited by many students. One of these pantries, Iggy's Cupboard, is located in Damen Student Center, a bustling building where the bulk of student engagement happens. Despite this, many students are unaware of the closet sized pantry tucked in the corner of the Hall of Faith. Once located, students find little more than a sparse selection of shelf stable pantry items. While the existence of food pantries is a good step, there is a gross underdelivery of necessary food items. According to Loyola’s CURA Network, the funding for all the food pantries comes from donations alone (“Food Assistance”). Considering the mission of Loyola, and recent hikes in tuition and related fees, there is no reason why a portion of the budget can’t be allocated towards stocking the food pantries with more adequate nutritiously dense foods. The types of food that can support students' minds and bodies so they can succeed academically and beyond. 

That's why we call on Will Rodriquez, our dean of students, to advocate for direct support of Loyola students facing food insecurity by allocating designated funding to Loyola’s food pantries. Let us move past the days where the suffering of students can be tucked into a closet sized room in a dark corner of Damen. We urge the administration to prioritize this issue in an effort to create a healthier and more equitable academic environment for all students.