Join the Fight: Bucknell’s Environmental Activism Course Tackles Campus Food Insecurity

Students in the Environmental Activism course (ENST 246) are tackling food insecurity on campus. They kicked off their efforts with a rally outside the ELC on April 24. This event was just the beginning; they also met with Dean of Students Moe McGuinness, delivering 240 paper plates to symbolize the 2,400 Bucknell students facing food struggles.

The group has outlined four key demands for the University. They want McGuinness and others to review the 2021 Food & Nutrition Task Force Report, hold a campus-wide Town Hall on food insecurity in Fall 2025, invite the Vice President of Finance to this meeting, and implement recommendations to enhance B-Eats, the campus food pantry. Suggestions include improving communication about B-Eats, working with the campus dietitian to offer diverse food options, and reducing stigma around using the pantry through targeted outreach.

The students divided into three core groups for the campaign. The first met with Dean McGuinness to express their concerns. Grace Garvey ’25 shared that McGuinness was open and shared her experiences combating food insecurity at the University of North Texas. “She genuinely wants to help Bucknell students,” Garvey said.

Later that day, the second group held a public rally. Before it started, they chalked messages like “fed up but not full” and “hungry for more” on the ground. They gathered signatures and testimonies, which they later delivered to Dean McGuinness. Hallie McClure ’26 noted that many attendees were eager to help. “It was motivating to see so much interest,” she said, especially since McGuinness introduced herself to each group member.

On May 1, the third group organized a silent demonstration. They collected the paper plates featuring statistics about food insecurity and personal stories, with each plate representing ten students affected by these issues. Maria Chiappelli ’25 emphasized the event’s focus on creativity, allowing students to share their experiences meaningfully.

The statistic of 2,400 students struggling with food insecurity comes from the Food & Nutrition Task Force, established by President Bravman in Fall 2020. This group conducted a detailed nine-month survey and made recommendations for increasing access to nutritious food. Their findings revealed that 63% of students often or sometimes worried about getting enough meals.

The actions taken by ENST 246 students reflect what they learned throughout the semester about environmental activism and effective organizing strategies. Professor Andrew Stuhl guided them in developing practical skills necessary for leading initiatives. “This course taught me valuable nonviolent organizing methods,” Garvey said, noting that while the campaign may wrap up with the semester, the skills gained will last a lifetime.

Engagement in this campaign highlights a growing awareness of food insecurity, not just at Bucknell but in many institutions across the country. According to recent research by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, food insecurity affects nearly 30% of college students nationwide. This alarming trend has led more universities to re-evaluate their food programs. Initiatives like the one at Bucknell serve as models for other schools looking to support their students better.



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