UI Student Researcher Featured in KQED Article

This week, KQED published an article highlighting food insecurity among college students. The article, titled “Food Insecurity on Campus: How SNAP is a ‘Lifeline’ For Many Students,” features Unhoused Initiative Student Researcher, Kaylee Jensen. In the article, Kaylee reflects on her experience accessing and utilizing SNAP benefits (also known as CalFRESH) while attending SCU. Kaylee describes having to balance affording rent, food and other basic needs all while keeping up with her coursework. Staff from SCU’s Basic Needs Office assisted Kaylee with filing for SNAP benefits and, according to Kaylee, the difference was like “‘night and day.'”

Kaylee is not alone. According to the article over 400,000 public college and university students access CalFRESH benefits; however, college students are often overlooked in the discussion of public benefit recipients and those facing deficits in their basic needs. It can also be a hidden issue or source of shame for those needing help. SCU is no different. According to the annual Assessment of Food Security and Basic Needs at Santa Clara University study, SCU students face food insecurity and struggle to meet other basic needs like housing, The most recent survey results found that nearly 30% of respondents faced food insecurity and one-quarter faced housing insecurity.

SCU’s Basic Needs Program is available to help students access resources and help them meet their needs. The Basic Needs Office hosts a food pantry, benefits application assistance, emergency financial assistance, and connection to other resources. Marlene Bennett, Project Director of the Unhoused Initiative is proud to serve on the Basic Needs Committee and support its work, particularly around issues of student housing insecurity. If you are an SCU student and need assistance with food, rent, health insurance, technology access or transportation, please visit the Basic Needs website and complete the linked intake form.

No one should go hungry. Everyone deserves to have their basic needs met. We applaud Kaylee for sharing her experience with KQED and shining a light on an issue that need not remain in the shadows.