More students at American University are turning to The Market, the campus food pantry, to meet their meal needs. This mirrors a growing trend of food insecurity among college students across the nation.
In the fall of 2023, The Market had over 1,500 visits, and more than 338 students registered for its services, according to Student Support Coordinator Taylor Allgood.
“Many people think if you’re paying for college, you can afford everything else,” Allgood said. “But that’s not the case for many. High living costs, tuition, and other expenses make resources like The Market crucial.”
Located near Panera Bread in Mary Graydon Center 134, The Market offers various food items, including fresh produce, surplus bread from Panera, canned goods, snacks, and hygiene products.
The Market depends on donations from businesses, alumni, food donation boxes on campus, and partners like Chartwells, the University’s dining contractor. Since it does not receive university funding, community support is vital.
Salvatore Cottone, a senior in the School of Public Affairs and a staff member at the pantry, shares its importance for students. “Before working here, I relied on The Market every semester when my meal plan ran out. It’s not just about food; it provides security for students,” he said.
The issue of food insecurity among college students is on the rise. A report from the Temple University Hope Center showed that in 2020, 34% of college students experienced food insecurity. By mid-2024, that number had climbed to 41%.
“Our goal is to ease financial burdens and remove barriers for students so they can stay in school,” Allgood explained.
Students can access The Market without proving their need by completing a Market Access Form on the website.
According to Nancy Zou, a sophomore in the Kogod School of Business, many users are graduate students facing financial stress due to high housing costs and limited financial aid. “They are balancing tuition, rent, and other expenses, making the food pantry a vital resource,” Zou noted.
Despite the increase in usage, many students are still unaware of The Market. “Marketing and outreach are our biggest hurdles,” said Zou. “When I tell people I work at the food pantry, they often don’t realize we have one.”
The Market also provides additional resources like the Eagles Helping Eagles program, which offers meal swipes for eligible students, and personal consultations for SNAP enrollment with Allgood. Furthermore, the pantry has started sustainability initiatives like composting food waste and working with the University’s Zero Waste team.
“Food insecurity isn’t just about access to any food; it’s about having access to nutritious food,” Cottone emphasized. “We want students to know there’s no need to go hungry on campus.”
The Market aims to expand its reach through student engagement, donation drives, and advocacy. “In this country, we often view food as a privilege rather than a right,” Cottone pointed out. “As costs increase, students may rely more on resources like the food pantry.”
