After a long day of classes, Bianca Llerena, a student at the University of Minnesota, found herself heading home to Como without groceries for dinner. She knew she needed to go shopping soon, but getting to her favorite stores, like Aldi and Trader Joe’s, was a challenge.
Bianca lives nearby but doesn’t own a car. Like many students, she often ends up eating out until she can borrow a ride from her sister or roommate. That evening, she stopped at Mesa Pizza, treating herself to two slices for just over $10 and saved the leftovers for later.
After dinner, she changed into her work uniform and walked a few blocks to her shift at the Dinkytown Target. This situation isn’t unique. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines a food desert as a low-income area where people live more than a mile from a large grocery store. In the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Minnesota, about 75% of students live off-campus, and only 48% have cars. This makes grocery shopping challenging for many.
In Como, Dinkytown, Stadium Village, Marcy-Holmes, and Prospect Park, there are just a few small grocery stores within a mile, including a Target and a couple of local markets. Additionally, larger grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Aldi are farther away, making them harder to reach for students without cars.
Students who want a better selection or lower prices often face a tough choice. For those without cars, public transportation is an option, but it can be complicated and often feels unsafe. Bianca mentioned she doesn’t feel secure carrying groceries on public transit. Although Metro Transit has seen a drop in crime, many students still worry about safety while traveling.
Anna Schmid, another student, highlights that this issue impacts the entire community. She’s concerned about families living nearby who struggle to access affordable groceries. Local shops like Adam’s Grocery & Tobacco and Joe’s Market & Deli aim to provide some solutions, offering convenience for those in Como. Adam, the manager at Adam’s, tries to keep prices lower than the larger stores, knowing how tough it can be for students. Joe’s Market also serves as a handy option for local residents.
The University of Minnesota is taking steps to address food insecurity. The Nutritious U Food Pantry in Coffman Memorial Union offers free produce to students without needing documentation—students only need their U Card. This pantry helps many students, like Henroy Chacoma, who find food expensive in the Twin Cities. The university has also introduced a Universal Transit Pass, allowing students to use public transport for free, making it easier to reach grocery stores off-campus.
Kari White, a local resident, and student advocates agree that while these solutions are helpful, the lack of grocery stores in the area remains a significant issue. The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is even pushing for a grocery store on campus, with plans for it to offer affordable options and cater to diverse dietary needs.
In the meantime, students navigate a challenging landscape for grocery shopping. They often rely on public transport, which can be a hassle. Many students worry about the journey and weigh their options carefully, often needing to prioritize safety over convenience.
With the current situation, it’s clear that addressing grocery access is essential for students’ well-being. Dr. Melissa Laska from the University’s School of Public Health is studying food insecurity among college students, aiming to create effective policies for relief. She believes every student deserves access to nutritious food without jeopardizing their education.
Check out this related article: Smithfield Foods Makes Its Market Debut with Shares Priced at $20: What Investors Need to Know!
Source link