Survey Returns to Measure Food Insecurity Among UMD Students

A University of Maryland survey that influenced the Campus Pantry’s expansion and helped spur the launch of an emergency meals fund is back to measure students’ experiences with food insecurity.

Available online through Oct. 22, the Food Access & Student Well-being Survey follows the release of a report about the last time it was conducted, in Spring 2023; it found that of the 5,994 UMD students who responded to the survey, 27% reported food insecurity—an increase of seven percentage points since the survey’s debut in 2017.

The report, led by Yu-Wei Wang, research director and assistant director of the Counseling Center, said that inflation, high interest rates and the end of pandemic relief programs contributed to the rise in students’ food insecurity, defined as limited or uncertain access to adequate food. That report came on the heels of nearly double-digit price hikes for food in 2022; by comparison, food prices have risen just 2.4% in the last 12 months, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Food insecurity is affecting students’ mental health, psychological well-being and academic experience, and is having a long-term impact on their future,” said Wang.

[UMD Increases Mental Health, Wellness Services]

The 2023 survey of undergraduate and graduate students showed that food-insecure students were far likelier than their food-secure counterparts to report depression or anxiety, struggle to meet deadlines or attend class, and avoid social interactions because of an inability to afford a meal out. They also suffered career-related consequences, as many couldn’t pursue an unpaid internship or had to take jobs that didn’t further their professional goals simply to make ends meet.

Such concerns are common at campuses around the country. A June report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that roughly 23% of college students experienced food insecurity.

The Campus Pantry has offered free food to UMD students, faculty and staff since 2014. In 2021, an expanded version opened in the lower level of the South Campus Dining Hall, featuring fresh produce, dairy and eggs, in addition to nonperishable items; the staff also teaches cooking classes to help get students comfortable in the kitchen.

“It’s a comfortable feeling coming here to shop,” said Campus Pantry manager Larry Tumlin, who said that he’s noticed that the rising cost of groceries has driven more Terps to the pantry over the last several years. “The pantry’s here for anybody that needs assistance.”

Other assistance and resources rising from the survey results include the Department of Transportation Services’ Grocery Shopping Shuttle on Sundays to the Mall at Prince George’s, the Student Government Association’s Emergency Meal Fund, which provides free swipes into campus dining halls, and the addition of a “Student Basic Needs Statement” that faculty can include in their course syllabi; it’s how some students learn about the Campus Pantry. Additionally, the Essential Needs Center, a one-stop comprehensive student support center, was established in the Dean of Students Office, with a permanent location to be named soon.

Still, Wang said, the survey found that some food-insecure students felt uncomfortable going to the pantry or worried that they were taking resources away from students in even greater need.

“We’re hoping that by making sure that people are aware of the pantry, we can help decrease the stigma,” she said.