39% of colleges rely on donors to address food insecurity

A 2024 survey by Swipe Out Hunger highlights that college students experience food insecurity at higher rates than the general population, with inadequate institutional funding to address their needs. Most campuses (95%) have food pantries, but these are primarily funded through donations rather than university budgets. Although campus leaders reported expanding programs, funding remains a significant challenge, with only 5% having a dedicated budget for these initiatives. This lack of support impacts students' ability to access food and their overall academic success.

This severe lack of sustainable funding for antihunger programs is preventing students from accessing the food they need to survive, which in turn affects their ability to stay enrolled.

While a majority of colleges have a pantry for student supports, most are supported by philanthropy and not the institution.

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