The Campus Hunger Project Podcast

Jim McGovern is the Congressman of the 2nd Congressional District of Massachusetts. He has continuously pushed for legislation to fight to end food insecurity on college campuses, locally within cities, national in the US, and internationally. He serves as the Chair of the House Rules Committee as well as the Co-Chair of the House Hunger Caucus. For our third bonus episode, McGovern shares his experiences within politics, what is needed to help face hunger, and how he sees the crisis of hunger ending.

Frances Wolf is the First Lady of Pennsylvania. She has worked tirelessly to fight to end food insecurity on college campuses throughout the state she represents. For our second bonus episode, Wolf shares her experiences with talking to people, advocating for the cause, and where she sees legislation going in the future.

David Koppisch is the Associate Director of Community Engagement for the Hope Center for College Community and Justice. The organization researches and advocates around the issue of food insecurity on college campuses. For our first bonus episode, Koppisch discusses what is happening on college campuses, where we can go from here, and whether or not there is "hope" for an end to campus food insecurity.

Food insecurity can come in many different shapes and sizes. One group of people that is often forgotten are Indigenous Tribes in Indian Country. Indigenous Tribes have been especially hit during the pandemic, and policy applications are not helping. Today, we talked to Joel.

Food banks play an integral role in fighting food insecurity. During the pandemic, though, their importance has only risen. Food banks have had to revamp their systems to help out more people as COVID-19 has escalated the number of people who need access to food. Today, we talked to Devin.

Food pantries are great. They help students immediately with food when they do not have the support or resources. That said, it’s not long term support. Food insecurity solutions need to head in a better direction to solve the solution from the get-go. Food pantries can also provide other basic needs resources. The response needs to extend further. Today, we talked to Charlotte.

Food insecurity can come into play in many forms, such as the way classes take up time and energy in different ways for people. This then affects the availability for jobs, meal prep, shopping, and just social life in general. Today, we talked to Peter.

School counselors or an advisor can help, even just by saying the right thing. Juggling academics and life can be tricky, but it all comes down to whether or not you can eat. Today, we talked to Chris.

Research both through fellowships and on your own can truly shine a light as to who is most affected by food insecurity and what changes need to be made. This is especially important since the onset of COVID-19. Today, we talked to Max.

The pandemic has created new needs for food delivery and access, especially for seniors and those who are immunocompromised. Inventive students have found solutions, like creating a new organization called Deliver Together to distribute food in New Jersey. Today, we talked to Maurice.

Looking at the system at different levels allows for us to tackle the issue of food insecurity in different ways. Things have changed for college students, yet the policies haven’t caught up. There needs to be more than one solution. One option to solving food insecurity is not going to be enough for everyone. Today, we talked to Rebecca.

People may be private about their situations but that doesn’t mean college campuses cannot have solutions for them. Social media and word of mouth can spread the message and advocacy. Today, we talked to Sarah.

The pandemic makes tackling food insecurity harder. Students who had plans to fight food insecurity on their campuses are now having to rethink their initiatives, but, contrarily, even more students are struggling to find food these days. Today, we talked to Rebecca.

Having an impact on campus also means reaching out to those outside of your classes and even college. Local officials are an integral part to creating legislation that can affect students throughout their struggle with food insecurity during college. Today, we talked to Natalie.

Food insecurity is somewhat hidden in society. College students are thought of as always having money. That is not always the case. We need to peel back the layers to find a true solution. Today, we talk to Ava.

Stories that are often left marginalized or unheard/untold are the ones that can really make a difference. Marketing tools, specifically videos and interviews can pave a way for more empathy from the viewer. Technology like this allows for people to tell their own stories and hold advocates and policy makers accountable. Today, we talked to Priyanka.

Hearing stories from other students can inspire others to do their own advocacy. Campuses working together can also expand the impact students have when it comes to their work fighting food insecurity. Today, we talked to Erica Friedman.

Research around food insecurity is greatly important to understand what students are going through. Looking at food pantries specifically, we get to see what students need and what help they still are not receiving. Today, we talked to Elmira.

Colleges have historically changed, but resources have not. Students need more help. There’s not just one solution though. Universities need surveys to recognize what is happening on their campuses, and to listen to students’ input. Statistics can shape the way colleges face food insecurity. Today, we talked to Katie.

A key to understanding food insecurity and finding an end of the issue, people need to talk about it. Food insecurity is rampant, yet not everyone knows it exists. Without knowledge, there cannot be a solution. Today, we talked to Nicole.

Ignoring the needs of a college town can limit the point of view of students living in that town. It can lead to a disconnect between town and campus, with negative consequences for the town. Working together and advocating both on and off campus is integral. Today, we talked to Avi.

Resources may be available on campus, but they don’t help students unless they actually know about them or have proper access to them. Awareness is one step to fixing the issue of food insecurity. Today, we talked to Elan.

Food insecurity affects everyone, not just one type of person. Creating connections with clubs on campus and organizations beyond school walls can ensure that we help everyone in need. Today, we talked to Cait.

Advocacy is integral to providing more resources and support to students facing food insecurity. Students must hold their college’s administration accountable and ensure that they follow through with their promises. To start getting your voice out there, action is needed. Today, we talked to Randy.

The way farming is framed today is not sustainable or healthy for our world and our own well beings. Food insecurity becomes an issue when farming is not accessible. There is a link between nutrition and community support that organizations and nonprofits are starting to recognize and build a bridge to solve this lack of food access, especially during the pandemic. Today, we talked to Sophia.

While many schools require those in dorms to have a meal plan, not everyone can afford them, leading to food insecurity. If students do not know the resources on their campuses, awareness around the issue is lost. Especially during the pandemic while Challah for Hunger chapters are not baking, teaching games and conversations can bring about a better understanding. Today, we talked to Emily.

If you can’t be fed and feel nourished both physically and mentally, the odds are already against you. It compounds and continues to form a bigger issue for students. Today, we talked to Gabby.

Food insecurity is often forgotten by administrators when surveying issues that students face. Students then are at a loss for terms for situations they face.  Today, we talked to Natalia.

Challah for Hunger chapters partner with local organizations that focus on food insecurity within the community. Being able to see the difference made in person can show that hours of work really make a difference. Today, we talked to Emily.

COVID-19 has changed how people interact with food insecurity and resources like food pantries that are there to help them. Volunteers and advocacy workers, though, must be aware of the new power dynamics in place and how the work they do is perceived by others. Today, we talked to Rose.

Former and current foster children have a harder time figuring out what to do once they are out of the system. This can lead to food insecurity and a sense of loneliness. Today, we talked to Sandra.

Food pantries must be accessible to students so that they can receive the resources they need. It is important around fighting the stigma around food insecurity as well as feeding the people who need it the most. Today, we talked to Kiki.

Students deserve to have their basic needs met. Yet, not everyone is able to afford school, housing, food, and more. Why is that the case? Today, we talked to Cole.

Each student has a different background. Each student needs different forms of help, but no matter the student, planning out your meals to ensure you’re eating at least a meal a day is stress that is not needed. Today, we talked to Priscilla.

Food insecurity can be hidden, but it affects every aspect of students’ lives. Food insecurity also doesn’t always look the same with each student. You can be food insecure for a short period of time or long term. There’s no “perfect model.” Today, we talked to Nancy.

Pantry services that go beyond the food can truly help a student’s wellbeing. Supports are integral, but more needs to happen. Today, we talked to Mary.

Students deserve basic needs, including an education that will help them with social mobility. Though, that is not the reality many face. Standing up to administration and local legislators can be a solution. Today, we talked to Owen.

Food deserts are areas that have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. Campuses that are in food deserts put their students at greater risk of being food insecure when they must rely on themselves, become resourceful monetarily and academically, and find healthy alternatives. Today, we talked to Becky.

Financial aid is not enough. Covering tuition only disregards rent, food, and any other expenses. Students start out fine during the semester and then hit a wall without anyone to help them. Today, we talked to Roshelle.

There’s talk around recycling, but where’s the discussion about food insecurity? One way to stand up is to vote. Today, we talked to Hannah.

Making resources visible to students not only allows them to have more access but also can reduce stigmas on campus. Today, we talked to Paige.

NYU has become popular on Tik Tok for handing out students the wrong meals, inadequate meals, and simply rotten ones. This is causing students in quarantine to go hungry. Today, we talked to Danielle.

Food insecurity and climate justice are interwoven as we rely on food globally that is affected by floods and drought. The inequalities just become greater. Looking at schools, this can translate to students not having food access during breaks. Today, we talked to Molly.