Cooking oil and canned proteins like chicken and tuna are flying off the shelves at UND’s Food For Thought pantry. Kristi Okerlund, the director of Student Involvement, sees this trend often. It sheds light on an often-overlooked issue: many students struggle to access healthy food.
Nathaniel Johnson, an assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics, highlights that rising living and educational costs are worsening food insecurity among college students. Recent data shows that approximately 25% to 33% of students at UND face this challenge, making it crucial to address.
To tackle this problem, UND’s College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines (CNPD) is reviving the Pack the Pantry Campus Challenge. From February 19 to March 5, 2026, various departments, student groups, and individual teams will compete to gather food donations and funds for those in need.
The importance of food security on campus is backed by studies. A report from the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice found that about 39% of college students nationwide experience food insecurity. With more students reporting these struggles, awareness and action are vital.
Creating a supportive community can make a real difference. Efforts like the Pack the Pantry challenge help ensure that students have access to the nutritious foods they need to thrive. Engaging events foster connection and awareness around this critical issue. Together, we can support students in achieving their academic goals while ensuring they don’t go hungry.
Source link
