By Kylah Kehoe, UW-Madison Freshman, Major: Economics and Political Science
Across the board, costs continue to rise for college students. As young people living away from home for the first time, college students may be more vulnerable to rising costs due to a lack of financial literacy and high tuition payments. The 2023-2024 Hope Center Student Basic Needs Survey found that 59% of students suffer from at least one form of basic needs insecurity, with 41% experiencing food insecurity. Students from marginalized backgrounds are more likely to face basic needs insecurities. A major barrier in addressing basic needs insecurity is that a majority of students are unaware of campus resources and do not receive public benefits. To help combat this issue, cities may look to implement some of the following:
- Engage with local universities and community colleges to organize and widely promote informational sessions about enrolling in SNAP benefits and accessing community resources. Additionally, most students reported email as their preferred method of outreach, so sending informational resources in this manner may help students engage.
- Establish or work with local and university based food pantries to increase food access for students and establish emergency funds for students. A recent Chicago initiative launched in collaboration with Mayor Johnson, City Colleges of Chicago, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository will expand existing food pantries, offer free snacks, and take home meals for all students.
- Engage with student government, student organizations, and universities to break down stigmas over use of benefits on college campuses.